KOLKATA | September 10, 2026 — The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is preparing to appoint an agency to develop the layout plan, architectural design and detailed project report for a proposed College Street heritage book district, according to government officials quoted by The Times of India.
The proposal covers College Street, College Square and adjoining book-market streets, an area known for its second-hand book shops and historic institutions. The planned remodelling follows a visit to the area by state urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul in July.
Officials said the entire stretch cannot be converted into a no-vehicle zone because College Street is an important traffic route. “The main College Street area will not be altered as it is a busy traffic zone,” a government official said. The agency to be selected will conduct further surveys and prepare a detailed layout for the wider area.
Under the proposal, selected roads could restrict regular cars and allow bicycles and battery-operated carts. The plan also includes pedestrian facilities, bike-rental stands, electric carts for elderly visitors and specially designed heritage trams. The main College Street carriageway would remain open to normal traffic to avoid congestion.
The book market, locally known as boi para, could also receive a uniform design. Officials said around 500 existing book stalls may be redesigned, with designated zones allowing shops selling books, notepads and exercise books. Proposed public amenities include cafes, seating benches for senior citizens and free public Wi-Fi.
The College Street book market extends for about 1.5 kilometres and is surrounded by colonial-era institutions and public landmarks, including College Square, Presidency University, Indian Coffee House and Calcutta Medical College. The proposed agency’s surveys and preparation of the design and DPR will determine how the remodelling is taken forward.
