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Just before the Bengali New Year (Poila Boishakh), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the longest skywalk in Kolkata on April 14, 2025. The Kalighat Skywalk is a major project aimed at helping devotees and tourists visit the famous Kalighat Temple more easily and safely. This new skywalk is expected to reduce crowding on the streets and improve the whole experience of visiting this religious place.
A helpful link between city life and spirituality
The Kalighat Skywalk is 440 meters long and stands 16 meters above the ground. It connects SP Mukherjee Road directly to the Kalighat Temple. This means visitors no longer have to walk through crowded and busy streets to reach the temple.
The skywalk has five entry and exit points. These include Sadananda Road, Kalighat Fire Station, and the gates of the temple. The structure has been built to help everyone. It has escalators, lifts, and staircases, making it easy for senior citizens and people with disabilities to use.
Space for hawkers and better walking experience
While building the skywalk, many hawkers had to be moved. To help them, the government built a special shopping complex where 176 hawkers have now been shifted. This has helped in clearing the footpaths and making the space safer and more comfortable for people walking to the temple.
Before the skywalk was opened to the public, the police checked the entire area using metal detectors and sniffer dogs to ensure safety. The roads and footpaths around the skywalk have also been widened and renovated.
The Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata is one of the most important and sacred temples for followers of Goddess Kali. Many people believe it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas - special places where parts of Goddess Sati's body are said to have fallen. At Kalighat, it is believed that the toes of her right foot fell here.
Some quick facts:
Location: Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal
Built: The current temple was completed in 1809, but the temple has been mentioned in texts as far back as the 15th century.
Design: The temple is built in the Ath-Chala style, which is a traditional Bengali architectural style.
Importance: It is a major place of worship, especially during Kali Puja and on Amavasya (new moon) nights, when many devotees visit to seek blessings.
A boost to religious tourism and urban development
The Kalighat Skywalk is expected to bring more tourists to the city. It is similar to the Dakshineswar Skywalk, which was built in 2018 and is already a popular spot. Projects like these help improve religious tourism while also making the city more modern and organized. Though the construction of the Kalighat Skywalk was delayed due to land issues and relocation of services, it is now a major attraction and a proud addition to Kolkata.
Other famous skywalks in India
India is home to many other beautiful and exciting skywalks that offer amazing views and thrilling experiences:
1. Rajgir Glass Bridge, Bihar
Located 200 feet above a gorge, this 85-foot-long glass bridge gives wonderful views of the Rajgir hills and attracts many visitors.
2. Vagamon Glass Bridge, Kerala
Found in Idukki, this 40-meter bridge is the longest cantilever glass bridge in India. It offers lovely views of Kerala's green landscapes.
3. Pelling Skywalk, Sikkim
At 7,200 feet above sea level, this skywalk provides a bird's-eye view of the Himalayas and the Teesta and Rangit rivers. It is located near the 137-foot statue of Chenrezig, the tallest of its kind.
4. Atal Glass Bridge, Gujarat
Built over the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, this 300-meter bridge features a glass floor and LED lights, making it a perfect spot for evening walks and photos.
5. Maharashtra Glass Skywalk, Chikhaldara
Located in the Chikhaldara hill station, this skywalk offers breathtaking views of deep valleys and green forests, making it ideal for nature lovers.
All these skywalks show how cities in India are combining adventure, spirituality, and beauty to give visitors new experiences. The Kalighat Skywalk is now part of this growing list, helping people connect with culture, history, and nature in a simple, safe, and beautiful way.
