Getting Around Kolkata: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Kolkata offers a mixed experience for travelers who enjoy walking. In areas like Park Street or older parts of North Kolkata, a walker can expect a lively pedestrian environment with plenty of cafes and shops accessible on foot. However, the city's walkability is hampered by congested streets, lacking infrastructure such as smooth sidewalks, and frequent obstructions by street vendors or parked vehicles, making getting around solely on foot challenging at times. Despite certain walkable neighborhoods, needing access to other parts of the city might necessitate additional modes of transportation.

Public transportation in Kolkata excels in efficiency and reach, which is beneficial for any traveler. The city boasts a robust network, including the Kolkata Metro, buses, trams, and ferries. The Metro, notably India's first underground system, is fast, reliable, and a preferred choice to avoid traffic congestion. The availability of affordable travel passes simplifies navigating the city, while the crowded nature of some transit modes could be a small drawback. Overall, Kolkata's public transport is an effective way to explore and transition between different city locales.

Biking through Kolkata presents unique challenges, primarily due to restrictions and limited bike infrastructure. While the New Town area has developed cycle tracks facilitating more comfortable rides, most of Kolkata struggles with inadequate cycling paths and policies that discourage biking, such as bans on major roads. For a traveler, cycling is feasible for leisurely rides or short trips in specific areas but lacks viability as a consistent commuting option across the larger city grid. The overall cultural and infrastructural environment suggests that biking is not the safest or most efficient way to navigate most parts of Kolkata.