Historic Clock Tower in Kolkata Springs Back to Life After a Decade
At precisely 3:45 PM on a Tuesday afternoon, the air around Kolkata's iconic New Market was filled with a sound not heard in ten long years. First came the distinctive quarterly chime, followed by five resonant dongs marking the hour. For long-time residents and shopkeepers, the return of the bell's toll was a profoundly nostalgic moment, reviving memories of a bygone era.
A Moment of Emotional Resonance
"It revived old memories. I feel overwhelmed," expressed Vivek Lilaram of M Lilaram & Co, a jewelry establishment that has operated in New Market since 1927. For newer generations, the experience was equally magical. Roshni Chatterjee, a college student hearing the chimes for the very first time, described the transformation: "The clock suddenly began to chime and transformed the atmosphere." The event marked the successful completion of an extensive restoration project for the heritage tower and its prized four-faced timepiece.
The Restoration Teams and Their Mission
The monumental task of bringing the historic structure back from decay was undertaken by two dedicated father-son duos. The civil restoration work was expertly handled by Anjan and Saptarshi Mitra of the architecture firm Appropriate Alternative. Simultaneously, the intricate clock mechanism and its striking system were meticulously revived by horology experts Swapan and Satyajit Dutta.
Financial backing for the ambitious Rs 44 lakh project was provided by Techno Electric & Engineering Co Ltd through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. "We are thrilled to be part of the project that restores one of only four such clocks in India," stated Heena Gorsia, the firm's CSR head. The other three identical Gillett & Johnston Westminster clocks are located at IIEST Shibpur, the Lower Parel railway workshop in Mumbai, and the Chennai Municipal Corporation.
Project Timeline and Technical Details
The restoration journey commenced on July 24, 2025, with initial work focusing on the damaged tower structure itself. This phase was successfully completed five months later, on December 22, 2025. Attention then shifted to the clock's complex internal mechanisms, with work concluding just a couple of weeks prior to the official handover. Two comprehensive trials were conducted, including a final test on the preceding Saturday, ensuring everything was in perfect working order for the Tuesday presentation to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).
Swapan Dutta, one of the master clock restorers, provided crucial insight into the ongoing care required: "The clock and its striking mechanism are operational, but it will require regular maintenance. It needs to be wound three times a week." This highlights the commitment needed to preserve such historical technology.
Broader Impact and Future Hopes
Mudar Patherya of Kolkata Restorers, the visionary behind the project, expressed optimism about the wider impact: "We hope the restoration of this landmark will rejuvenate the neighbourhood." This sentiment is shared by architect Anjan Mitra, who hopes the successful revival of the clock will serve as a catalyst, encouraging the KMC to embark on the much-needed restoration of the entire 151-year-old New Market complex. The chiming clock stands not just as a timekeeper, but as a symbol of renewed pride in Kolkata's rich architectural heritage.
