Mahatma Gandhi Road, also referred to as M.G. Road and formerly known as Harrison Road, is a pivotal East-West thoroughfare nestled in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, India. Acting as a defining boundary between North and Central Kolkata, M.G. Road finds its roots deeply embedded in the annals of the city's history. In 1889, under the aegis of the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC), M.G. Road had the distinction of becoming the first street in the city to be illuminated by electricity.
Strategically serving as a connector, M.G. Road establishes a brief link between two major railway hubs of the Kolkata Metropolitan Area - the Sealdah Station and the iconic Howrah Station. The road's significance is augmented by its accessibility, with various modes of transportation crisscrossing its span. While vehicular movement remains bi-directional, certain crossroads enforce unidirectional turns, ensuring fluid traffic movement.
En route, it intersects with numerous prominent streets and localities, including Surya Sen Street, College Street/Bidhan Sarani, Chittaranjan Avenue, Rabindra Sarani (Chitpur Road), and culminating near Strand Road and Burrabazar. Such intersections not only enhance the connectivity of M.G. Road but also bind the cultural, commercial, and historic ethos of Kolkata.
M.G. Road's charm lies in its historical significance and the community that thrives alongside it. The local populace, a blend of the old and new generations, resonates with a harmonious and cooperative spirit. The locality houses an amalgamation of recreational and commercial spaces, making them desirable for residents and visitors. M.G. Road is a microcosm of Kolkata's vibrant lifestyle and is flanked by educational institutes, traditional markets, modern retail establishments, and eateries. Its proximity to major landmarks and a robust transportation network enhance its urban appeal.
What is Good on Mahatma Gandhi Road? | What is Not Good on Mahatma Gandhi Road? |
The community carries a rich historical significance. | Traffic congestion in the region is frequent. |
Numerous commercial establishments like traditional markets and modern retail outlets are nearby. | Better infrastructural development in the region is needed. |
The road houses several cultural landmarks, theatres, and performance venues, making it a hub for arts and entertainment. | More steps for the preservation of city heritage sites need to be undertaken. |
All lifestyle amenities are readily available. | Green spaces and leisure zones are limited. |
The area boasts a well-established community with excellent physical infrastructure and a high livability index. Employment centres are conveniently located nearby, and the locality is served by multiple markets catering to daily necessities. Enhanced security measures, such as abundant streetlights and regular night patrols by authorities, create a safe environment for residents. Noteworthy features of the local infrastructure include prominent shopping destinations like Pabitra Mega mall, Prantikapan Shopping Complex, and South City mall. The area boasts a strong transportation system. Nearby cinema halls like Aruna, Naaz, Purabi, and Prabhat provide ample entertainment zones for movie fans.
The neighbourhood offers various culinary delights and dining experiences. Some notable eateries in the vicinity include:
Various amenities, including multiple banks, railway facilities, and recreational spots, conveniently surround the area.
An essential lifeline adjacent to the locality is National Highway - 12, significantly enhancing accessibility to neighbouring cities. This highway links several local byways, connecting the community to other areas.
The MG Road breaks into the MG road, running towards localities, namely Jiadargot and Sajnaberia, among others. This adds to the robust network of lanes and bylanes across the region, making access around the city seamless.
The eponymous locality is a historic road network. It holds great historical significance as the first road to be lit up.
Location | Distance from Mahatma Gandhi Road | Commute Time (in minutes) | Cab Fare (in INR) |
Bagan Para | 900 m | 4 minutes | INR 81 |
Chak Thakurani | 1.1 km | 5 minutes | INR 92 |
Chakda Mauza | 2.3 km | 10 minutes | INR 147 |
Mahatma Gandhi Road is highly regarded by its residents, with ratings often surpassing 4.3 stars. This locality is strategically positioned and benefits from its connection to the nearby Purple Metro Line. Residents frequently commend Mahatma Gandhi Road for its central location, emphasising the ease of accessing numerous tourist attractions. The area has an array of stunning properties. Notably, attractions such as the Marble Palace Kolkata, Eden Gardens, College Street (Boi Para), Nakhoda Mosque, Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Vivekananda's Ancestral House and Cultural Center, Shanti Nathar Mandir, and more elevate its appeal.
The locality benefits from an extensive road network and a wide range of public transportation options, ensuring a convenient daily commute for its residents.
Mahatma Gandhi Road is easily accessible via National Highway 12 and several other connecting roads near the area. Additionally, multiple bus routes, including private buses and minibuses, serve the locality, enhancing its connectivity.
The Baghajatin Railway Station and the New Garia Railway Station are en route with various long and short-route trains across the city and country. The Purple Line for the metro connection is also right by the road, making commuting easier.
The Behala Airport is a 34-minute drive from the locality.
As the locality carries a rich heritage, there are plenty of well-known city attractions and entertainment venues nearby, ensuring a delightful day out for visitors.
Over an hour’s drive via the road, the Marble Palace is a must-visit for any architecture enthusiast. Nestled at 46 Muktaram Babu Street in North Kolkata, the Marble Palace is an emblem of 19th-century Calcutta's grandeur. Not only is it among the most exquisitely preserved mansions of that era, but its eponymous marble walls, floors, and sculptures offer visitors a visual treat and an insight into the lavish lifestyles of Bengali aristocrats. The Neoclassical architectural style, complemented by traditional Bengali open courtyards, adds to the attraction. The palace houses Chinese pavilion-inspired verandas, a meticulously manicured garden with a rock section, a serene lake, and even a quaint zoo. All of it makes it an immersive experience, harmoniously melding history, art, and nature.
For cricket fans or those exploring India's culture, visiting Eden Gardens near MG Road is very close to heart. With a seating capacity of 66,000, it resonates with the heartbeat of cricket enthusiasts. Managed by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), it also serves as the home ground for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Often hailed as the "Mecca of Indian cricket", Eden Gardens symbolises India's rich cricketing legacy. The stadium has witnessed unforgettable moments, such as the record crowd of 110,564 during the 1996 India Vs Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Semi-Final. The stadium is a 45-minute drive from and is a must-visit.
For bibliophiles and seekers of knowledge, a visit to College Street, fondly known as Boi Para (or 'Book Town'), is an absolute must when near MG Road. Spanning a stretch of 900 metres in Central Kolkata, College Street is a vibrant amalgamation of history, culture, and intellectual pursuits. The street draws its name from the prestigious educational institutions that flank it, including the University of Calcutta, Calcutta Medical College, and Presidency University, among others. But what truly sets College Street apart is its distinction as the largest book market in Asia and, impressively, the largest secondhand book market globally. The avenue brims with an eclectic mix of bookstores, ranging from prominent publishers like Ananda Publishers and Dey's Publishing to smaller names offering a treasure trove of new, old, and rare books.
Nakhoda Mosque, standing majestically at the intersection of Zakaria Street and Rabindra Sarani, is also an hour’s drive. As the principal mosque of the city and the largest in all of West Bengal and eastern India, its towering presence is a beacon for devotees and tourists alike. The mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Akbar at Sikandra in Agra inspires the mosque’s architecture. This impressive structure embodies the spirit of a community that settled in Kolkata in the 19th century. The name 'Nakhoda' itself, meaning 'Mariner', pays homage to the Kutchi Memon community’s maritime legacy. The mosque's construction, a formidable task taken up by the British engineering company Mackintosh Burn & Co., spanned from 1926 to 1935, costing an impressive 1,500,000 Indian rupees. A visit to this historic site is usually an important part of tourists’s itineraries.
The Star Theatre’s origins date back to 1883, and so the theatre has borne witness to the evolution of Kolkata's theatrical and cinematic landscape. As a pioneer of commercial Bengali theatre, The Star Theatre and its contemporaries, like the Minerva Theatre, set the stage for many significant moments in the region's cultural history. Notably, it was among the chosen venues for the screening of Bengal's first motion pictures, crafted by the visionary Hira Lala Sen. Today, although primarily a cinema hall, it continues to honour its theatrical roots by hosting plays, particularly during the vibrant winter months. The acoustics of the auditorium are exemplary, enhancing the audience's experience. Conveniently located near the Shobhabazar Sutanuti metro station, the Star Theatre seamlessly blends heritage with urban life. The decision in 2012 to return the theatre to civic ownership was a nod to its importance, emphasising its cultural value over commercial interests. For tourists around MG Road, visiting the Star Theatre is a journey into the heart of Kolkata's artistic soul.
The vibrant community along Mahatma Gandhi Road continuously evolves, marked by constant growth and change. Residents here foster a strong sense of community, and substantial infrastructure developments enhance the area. Mahatma Gandhi Road offers easy access to prominent city attractions and neighbouring districts. The presence of renowned educational institutions and healthcare facilities further solidifies the area's reputation as a sought-after real estate destination.
This neighbourhood offers many essential living amenities, establishing itself as a premier real estate destination. Its strategic location guarantees effortless connectivity to major urban centres and neighbouring areas. The town's extensive transportation networks add to its appeal, making it an attractive choice for potential investors.
The closest schools to Mahatma Gandhi Road are St. Stephen’s, Nehru Children’s Academy, and Karmel High School.
IRIS Multispecialty Hospital, DM Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. and Lions North Calcutta Hospital & Medical Centre are the closest healthcare facilities to the road.
The Creek Club, Golden Retreat Murshidabad and the Princeton Club are some of the most popular luxury hotels close to the region.
National Highway 12 is the closest highway to the region.
Various shopping malls are close to the road. Pabitra Mega mall and South City mall are the most popular choices closest to MG Road.
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