The British had built a fort at Raichak, which is on a river bend, in the 18th century, for guarding against pirates
The fort gradually fell into ruins and was converted to a lively 5-star hotel, Radisson Fort. The hotel has a scenic view of the river. Those who are more adventurous can make also use the Raichak jetty or the nearby Nurpur jetty and take a ferry across the river to go to Kukrahati in East Midnapore district or Gadiara in Howrah district.
The proposal for a bridge across the Hooghly River from Raichak to Kukrahati, which will connect Haldia to Kolkata, has been hanging fire for many years. In earlier years, it was thought that the 2 km long cable bridge costing over Rs. 3,000 crore would be built with Malaysian support.Thereafter, the Japanese came into the picture.Subsequently, the Japanese were replaced by the Indonesian Salim Group.
The construction of the Eastern Link Highway, linking Barasat with Raichak, which would be 100 km long and 100 m wide and spread over 2,500 acres, is also on the anvil. The road will ultimately terminate at Nandigram. The projects would be implemented by New Kolkata International Development Private Ltd, a special purpose company that has been promoted by the Salim Group, the Universal Success Group and Unitech.
The above is all from the Wikipedia. Like everything else in Bengal, all the plans remain on paper.
Why I am mentioning the above is that we went for a office picnic to Raichak. Our picnic spot, "Bakul Garden" was nowhere near the river. However it was a picturesque spot with well maintained flower beds and a good lawn where the children could play and the elders dance.We had a game of Housie. It was truly enjoyable. I got time to read my "Capital Market" fortnightly.
The arrangement was very good and I understand so was the lunch which I could not partake since I am a strict vegeterian.Time passed fast and before we knew it was time to pack up and return.
I was able to take some group and family photographs.
If you find the photgraphs good, the credit should go to my Sony Digital Camera.
If you find them bad, the fault is mine.
