Kolkata's second Bailey bridge, connecting Salt Lake and VIP Road near Dakshindari, is scheduled to open for traffic by January 31. Officials from the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) confirmed this timeline, marking a significant step in easing traffic flow in the area.
Construction Progress and Timeline
KMDA officials report that the sub-structure work for the bridge is now complete. Workers have successfully launched the girders, which form the main truss structure of the bridge. This progress follows a week-long traffic block earlier this month on a 30-meter stretch of the Kolkata-bound flank of VIP Road between Dakshindari and Golaghata. During that period, crews installed the critical girder components.
With the girders in place, attention turns to the approach roads. Work to prepare these roads on both sides of the bridge will commence immediately. KMDA officials expect this final phase to be finished by the last week of January. Once all elements are ready for safe traffic movement, the government will set a date for an official inauguration ceremony.
Bridge Specifications and Cost
The new Bailey bridge spans 42.6 meters in length and has a width of 7.5 meters. It will feature two lanes, allowing for smooth two-way traffic. This design contrasts with the first Bailey bridge at Lake Town, which only permits one-way traffic entering Salt Lake from VIP Road. The project carries a total cost of Rs 6.2 crore.
Traffic Relief and Benefits
This infrastructure project aims to alleviate congestion at key junctions in Kolkata. An official highlighted that the new bridge will help reduce traffic pressure at the Ultadanga Hidco crossing. Additionally, it is likely to ease some of the congestion at the Salt Lake AK and AJ Block crossing junction.
The first Bailey bridge in this area, connecting Lake Town and Salt Lake AE Block, was established in September 2019. The addition of this second bridge represents a continued effort to improve connectivity and traffic management in the rapidly developing Salt Lake and VIP Road corridors.
Residents and commuters have long faced challenges with traffic bottlenecks in these areas. The completion of this two-way bridge promises to offer a more efficient route, potentially shortening travel times and reducing daily commute stress for thousands of people.
