The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) continues to captivate bibliophiles across the city, with its second day witnessing an impressive surge in attendance. According to an official from the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, approximately 3.5 lakh visitors flocked to the fairground on Saturday, adding to the vibrant literary atmosphere.
Record-Breaking Footfall Expected Over Holiday Weekend
With consecutive holidays on Sunday and Republic Day on Monday, the guild anticipates unprecedented numbers during the fair's initial four days. Guild officials reported that the first two days alone saw around six lakh visitors, and they are optimistic about even higher footfall in the coming days. Estimates indicate that about 2.5 lakh people attended the fair on Friday, marking a strong start to the event.
Innovative Metro Ticket Kiosk Enhances Visitor Convenience
In a first for the fair, a metro ticket-buying kiosk has been installed within the fairground, positioned between gates 1 and 2. This initiative aims to alleviate the usual rush at ticket counters inside Karunamoyee or Central Park metro stations. Visitors can purchase tickets using cash or by scanning a UPI code for online payments, offering a seamless and efficient experience.
An official noted that approximately 250 tickets were sold through this kiosk on its inaugural day, Friday. Shikha Banerjee, a visitor from Rashbehari Avenue, praised the facility, stating, "This is a very convenient setup by the authorities to avoid the long queues at metro station ticket counters."
Green Line Metro Sees Increased Ridership Due to Fair
The Green Line metro, which connects Howrah to Sector V, is experiencing a notable rise in passenger traffic as more people travel to and from the book fair. With direct metro connectivity from the fairground to Howrah via Esplanade, thousands of visitors who previously relied on extended routes are now alighting directly at Karunamoyee or Central Park stations and entering the fairground with ease.
This enhanced accessibility not only streamlines the journey for attendees but also contributes to the overall success and smooth operation of the International Kolkata Book Fair, reinforcing its status as a premier cultural event in the city.
