A Paddle Steamer dating back to 1944 and manufactured at Dumbarton Shipyard, Scotland,UK, got restored and revamped recently at Kolkata Port Trust Shipyard. Joydeep Dutta reports…
A Paddle Steamer, however, is a Steamship/ Steamboat powered by Steam Engine to drive paddle wheels to propel the craft.(Source Wikipedia)
The Paddle Steamer,” PS Bhopal is 62.6 m long and 2.4 m wide.Â
Now named ” The Bengal Paddle”, the steamer is expected to commence its Heritage Cruise shortly across the Ganges.
About 310 tonnes of steel and 8 tonnes of teakwood went into the makeover of the craft. Besides being restored to its earlier form, the craft will also be used as a museum gallery thus showcasing the Heritage of Kolkata Port.Â
As conveyed by Syama Prasad Mookherjee Kolkata Port officials, once the steamer starts operation, it will give an impetus to the Port’s Heritage Tour Program, thus catering to a huge number of Heritage Enthusiasts.