Bhai Dooj in Sonagachi: Celebration of love and resilience among sex workers
Kolkata's Sonagachi district celebrates Bhai Dooj, where sex workers come together to honor sibling bonds, challenge societal stigma.
The SMP Kolkata is all set to inaugurate the refurbished vessel, the first of its kind in the Indian subcontinent beginning next month, according to Vinit Kumar, Chairman, SMP Kolkata.
As per Ministry of Ports, though the paddle is not operational now, the basic structure of the vessel has not been altered and new main engines with propulsion has been installed.
This has been done so that the vessel can move in the river with passengers on board so as to bring the real feel of the vessel when built in 1944.
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A Paddle Steamer built in 1944 in UK’s Dumbarton Shipyard, named ‘P S Bhopal’was being used as a training vessel by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (erstwhile Kolkata Port Trust).
With the completion of the lease agreement with the Training Institute in the year 2019, SMP Kolkata wanted to refurbish this vessel which has a heritage value and open it to Public, said Vinit Kumar, Chairman, SMP Kolkata.
Accordingly, SMP Kolkata went for a long term lease of the vessel which was at that point of time in a dilapidated condition and did not have its own propulsion.
As per the lease condition, ‘P S Bhopal’ will remain in the river moored adjacent to the shore or jetty and will be self propelled with its own power. The craft will have an exhibition space, restaurant, small assembly etc.
The said vessel is in the verge of Completion and few trials in the river have taken place to ensure its safety of operation with passengers on board.
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