Where sprawling paddy fields and wet-lands dominated the landscape a decade ago, gleaming high-rises and modern residential complexes now pierce
the skyline. What was once considered the city's periphery, has become a thriving urban hub, attracting both real estate developers and homebuyers.
The transformation of Narendrapur, Sonarpur, Harinavi and Baruipur along the Southern EM Bypass has been nothing short of remarkable, marking one of the most significant urban developments in Kolkata's recent history.
The Origin
The region encompassing Kamalgazi and Baruipur has a rich historical tapestry. Unlike the rest of Bypass, the Southern Bypass cuts through
some old localities like Kamalgazi, Sonarpur, Rajpur, Narendrapur and Baruipur.
The names of Rajpur and Baruipur can be traced back to ancient times, around the 16th century when 'janpads' or habitats had grown up along the old Bhagirathi channel which was a major waterway at that time. Many settlements, including Baruipur itself, grew along its banks. This channel was also connected to the Adi Ganga, a former distributary of the Bhagirathi, which was an important navigational and trading route.
Prior to the development of the Southern Bypass, these areas were predominantly rural even though Rajpur Municipality dates back to 1876. Characterised by low-density settlements and limited access to central Kolkata, the area came under KMDA barely 20 years ago.
Yet, Sonarpur and Rajpur were household names, places associated with personalities like national hero Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, writer Premendra Mitra and cyclist Raj Kumar Mitra.
The Transformation
Even till early 2000s, the Kamalgazi area had a different landscape with encroachments by some shanty dwellers. The connectivity with the heart of Kolkata depended on a single govt bus service from Howrah station and a couple of minibus routes.
In 2010, North-South Metro was extended till New Garia, after which people started shifting to Kamal gazi, Sonarpur, Narendrapur and Baruipur. From Garia and New Garia stations, new auto routes started for last-mile connectivity. Several new private bus services along Bypass also started operations. Around this time, several standalone apartments started coming up along Southern Bypass.
The catalyst for this metamorphosis, though, was extension of Bypass, which created a vital arterial connection between the heart of Kolkata and its
southern suburbs. The big push came with the construction of Kamalgazi flyover in 2016.
Since then, Southern Bypass has seen a spurt in realty development, and with the extension of Southern Bypass to Baruipur, it has witnessed a surge in residential townships, gated communities, and mid-to-high-income housing projects. Now, Southern Bypass is either home or is going to be home to around 20,000 families in upcoming, ongoing projects. The area has access to hospitals, schools, colleges, and malls, all within a 5 km radius.
Realty Boom
The improved connectivity made these once-remote areas accessible, slashing commute time to central Kolkata and Salt Lake's IT hub.
Ex-Baruipur SDO Suman Poddar, who is now posted in Bidhannagar, recounted that the area's transformation had begun around 2010 when North-South Metro corridor was extended till New Garia, to central Kolkata, the area came under KMDA improving connectivity to the rest of Kolkata. "I first saw the area when I got admitted to Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission in 1984. Most of the areas were under the panchayat. The canal that had been excavated in the 1950s and 1960s helped drain out water during monsoon. Even till 2020, jackal sightings at night were common," he says.
Availability of large land parcels at relatively affordable rates, combined with good connectivity, made this area a perfect destination for large-scale residential projects. It was around the time of Covid that the Southern Bypass work got completed. Thereafter, several projects that were moving at a slow pace picked up pace. One project in particular, South Winds, the first phase of which was completed in April 2021 and which saw several hundred
families move in, infused life into the area.
"Transformation of Southern Bypass corridor is a testament to the power of integrated urban planning, private sector investment and public infrastructure working in sync," says Kaushaalkumar Agarwala, a local resident and senior manager (business development) at Primarc Group that was one of the first real estate firms to complete a project.
"I have seen this area when it was a marshland," recalls Pranab Chatterjee (68), who lives at a complex near Rajpur. "Today, I can barely recognize the place. As far as healthcare is concerned, there are multiple superspeciality hospitals. Several new schools are also coming up," he adds.
"Today, all it takes is to drive down 20- to 30-odd minutes via Bypass to Sector V or an auto to reach a Metro station and travel to central Kolkata," says Madhumita Baidya, a resident of Sugam Serenity.
Green Edge
But what perhaps makes Southern Bypass standout is the fact that it also acts as a lifeline of the entire southern fringes because of its greenery, with
Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary a key attraction for nature and bird lovers. Spanning 17 acres, it serves as a crucial habitat for birds, both resident
and migratory. It plays a vital role in preserving local biodiversity and provides a safe haven for birds in an increasingly urbanized environment. Amit
Roy, a green activist from Harinavi, says: "The concrete jungle that is replacing the greens can have serious implications as far as urban flooding and
groundwater recharge are concerned unless we plan in advance."
Perhaps, in keeping with the greenery around, new residential complexes are now incorporating rainwater harvesting and solar energy systems, reflecting awareness about sustainable living.
A New Social Fabric
The transformation has brought with it a demographic and cosmopolitan shift. Young professionals are choosing to make these areas their home. Suchitra Das, a software engineer who moved to a new residential complex in Narendrapur three years ago after selling her ancestral property at Bijoygarh, says: "We have all modern amenities, good schools nearby, and the commute to my Sector V workplace takes just 40 minutes. Yet, there is an old charm, the Ramakrishna Mission and Bipadtarini Chandi Bari, helping you connect to your roots."
Future Landscape
Several infrastructure projects are currently underway, including completion of Garia-Airport Metro and the proposed extension of Bypass beyond
Baruipur. Pallab Kumar Das, chairman of Rajpur-Sonarpur Municipality, says: "Southern Bypass is changing but it is also attracting a large population
that expects standards on a par with the city proper. That brings challenges. Southern Bypass is our focus as we are developing multiple civic amenities."
