Howrah station is set for a proposed redevelopment featuring a 13-storey transport and commercial complex, a skywalk to the railway station and a Rs 45-crore upgrade of two subways, according to plans reported by the West Bengal government. The projects are intended to improve movement around one of the region’s busiest transport hubs, through which officials said around 60 lakh passengers pass daily.
The proposed complex, estimated to cost between Rs 250 crore and Rs 300 crore, is planned at the site of the existing bus terminal. Its ground floor would house a bus terminus, while separate levels would be provided for app-based cabs, traditional taxis and two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking. The plan also includes an air-conditioned passenger lounge and digital display systems.
Upper floors have been proposed for retail units, a shopping mall, food court, auditorium and affordable air-conditioned lodging. A multiplex is planned on the top floor. The project’s proposed mix of transport facilities and commercial uses is intended to consolidate passenger services around the station, where commuters currently face difficulty locating buses after leaving the railway terminal.
The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority has proposed a skywalk connecting the complex with Howrah station. The current plan is for the skywalk to extend up to Platform 8, allowing passengers to access Platforms 1 to 8. Officials said the final alignment would be determined after preparation of the Detailed Project Report.
The state government has separately proposed spending Rs 45 crore to renovate the station’s 350-metre main subway and the 50-metre ferry ghat subway. The proposed work includes granite flooring, PVC ceilings, LED lighting, escalators, CCTV cameras, fire-safety systems and digital signage.
Officials said construction is expected to begin after Durga Puja and be completed before Puja 2027. Implementation will require coordination among Indian Railways, KMDA, the Howrah Municipal Corporation and the state government, with different agencies currently controlling separate portions of the station area.
During a recent site visit, Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Umesh Rai described the area outside Howrah station as dilapidated and messy. He said the DPR would provide greater clarity on the skywalk and other proposed works.
The redevelopment plan has emerged alongside complaints about basic civic services near the station. Residents have raised concerns about garbage accumulation and open urination along approach roads and near the subways. Howrah resident Ramesh Gupta said garbage had remained uncleared for months and that open urination was affecting roads around the station.
An administrative official said the proposal was still at a primary stage. The official said the project could change the Howrah station area in a few years if it was executed properly. The next formal step is the preparation of the DPR, which will establish the final design and alignment of the proposed infrastructure.
