Kolkata has inaugurated the much-anticipated skywalk leading to the Kalighat Temple — one of the city’s oldest and most revered religious sites.
This new pedestrian facility promises not only to enhance visitor safety and convenience but also to ease traffic congestion in one of the most densely packed corners of the city. The modern skywalk, stretching 135 metres in length and 10.5 metres in width, provides a seamless passage from Syama Prasad Mukherjee Road directly to the Kalighat Temple complex. Designed to cater to the daily influx of devotees as well as seasonal pilgrim surges, the structure integrates elements of traditional architecture and contemporary urban planning. According to city officials, the skywalk includes three access points — one at Syama Prasad Mukherjee Road, one near the local police station, and another close to the temple entrance. These multiple entryways are supported by three escalators, three staircases, and three lifts, allowing inclusive access for people across all age groups and mobility conditions. Of particular significance are the specially designed lifts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, underlining the administration’s focus on equitable urban design.
“The structure is more than just a pedestrian bridge — it represents a larger commitment to building an accessible and culturally sensitive city,” said a senior civic official during the inauguration ceremony. The project, which had its genesis in 2021, experienced delays primarily due to the complex process of relocating 176 street vendors who operated in the vicinity of the temple. These vendors have since been rehabilitated in a newly constructed, air-conditioned shopping arcade adjacent to the skywalk. The retail complex is visible from the elevated passage, offering both economic continuity for the vendors and an organised shopping experience for temple-goers.
Urban planners involved in the development noted that the skywalk’s design draws inspiration from the architectural motifs of the Kalighat Temple itself. Decorative panels, lighting choices, and colour palettes were all carefully selected to preserve the sanctity and historical value of the religious site while creating a modern transit corridor. Experts in transport and mobility have lauded the project as a successful model of balancing heritage with functionality. With pedestrian footfall previously overwhelming the narrow lanes around Kalighat, the skywalk is already showing early signs of improving the movement of both people and vehicles. Residents in the area have observed a marked drop in street-level congestion and vehicular gridlock — a routine problem, particularly during festive occasions.
A local resident shared their experience of using the skywalk, noting how the facility had transformed the temple visit. “It used to be chaotic, especially for the elderly. The crowd would swell near the entrance, and navigating through street hawkers and parked vehicles was exhausting. Now, it’s a breeze.” The improvement is not limited to ease of access. Civic engineers have pointed out that the elevated structure also contributes positively to the city’s air quality and pedestrian safety. By removing large groups of people from street-level congestion and streamlining the walking routes, the skywalk reduces the likelihood of accidents and the exposure of pedestrians to vehicle emissions. Moreover, authorities highlighted that such interventions could become part of a larger strategy to promote low-carbon urban mobility.
From a sustainability perspective, the structure’s contribution is twofold — easing human movement and offering an energy-efficient alternative to vehicular transport for short distances. The skywalk is also equipped with modern lighting systems designed to consume less power while ensuring visibility and safety after dusk. Access to the skywalk is further facilitated by its direct connectivity to the Kalighat Metro Station. This multimodal integration is expected to increase public transport usage, reduce private vehicle dependency, and, in the long run, contribute to Kolkata’s goals of lowering its urban carbon footprint.
The successful completion of this project is being seen as a critical win for the city’s urban development strategy, especially at a time when Indian metros are grappling with the twin challenges of heritage preservation and infrastructure modernisation. City officials are optimistic that this approach to pedestrian infrastructure — blending cultural aesthetics, public convenience, and environmental responsibility — will serve as a model for similar high-footfall locations across India. As Kolkata continues its transition into a more connected, accessible, and inclusive metropolis, the Kalighat skywalk stands out as a symbol of how modern infrastructure can both respect and reinforce the spiritual and cultural identity of a city.
The challenge now lies in maintaining the facility and ensuring that the space remains free of encroachment, well-lit, and accessible throughout the year. With careful governance and continued investment in such pedestrian-first urban design, the city can look forward to more such interventions that blend purpose with pride.
Kolkata Skywalk Transforms Kalighat Temple Access
