Kolkata's Strategic Road Upgrade to Revolutionize Sector V Connectivity
The West Bengal government has initiated a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing urban mobility in Kolkata. In a decisive move, the state administration has officially handed over a crucial 7-kilometer stretch of road connecting Sector V and Bantala to the Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority (NDITA). This transfer authorizes NDITA to undertake comprehensive upgrades and straightening of the route using durable concrete pavers.
Developing a Vital Alternative Link
The primary objective of this project is to develop this stretch into a functional alternative link between the bustling IT hub of Sector V and the Ruby area via the Basanti Highway. Government officials have emphasized that once the road is fully upgraded, the travel time between Sector V and Basanti Highway is projected to be reduced by almost half. This dramatic improvement will primarily benefit motorists traveling from Sector V towards Ruby, as they will be able to completely bypass the notoriously congested Chingrighata crossing and the EM Bypass.
Addressing Long-Standing Infrastructure Gaps
Officials clarified that this particular road, which originates from the backyard of Sector V in Mahisbathan and connects with the Basanti Highway at Bantala, is not a new construction. It has existed for a considerable period but has remained largely non-motorable in many sections, with the current surface being mostly unpaved and inadequate for regular traffic flow.
The plan involves upgrading and strengthening the entire 7-kilometer length with concrete pavers, transforming it into a proper two-lane road capable of handling two-way vehicle traffic efficiently. NDITA is currently in the process of preparing detailed cost estimates for the project, and tenders for the construction work are expected to be floated in the near future.
Strategic Route and Broader Benefits
The upgraded corridor will pass through several key areas, including Thakdari, Khasmahal, Choynavi, and Chakher Bheri, all of which fall under the jurisdiction of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation. This development has been under active consideration for some time, recognized for its potential to alleviate traffic pressure on existing routes.
Beyond serving Ruby-bound commuters, the improved road will also significantly benefit motorists heading to the Bantala IT hub. Currently, travelers from Salt Lake and Sector V are forced to take a longer route via the EM Bypass, turning left onto Basanti Highway. The new, direct link will provide a faster and more convenient pathway directly from Sector V to Bantala.
Forming a Larger Ring Road Network
This project holds strategic importance for the city's overall road network. Once completed, the upgraded stretch will contribute to the formation of a larger ring road encircling Sector V and the surrounding bheri areas. The envisioned circular route would begin at the Chingrighata crossing on EM Bypass, proceed along the Salt Lake Bypass and through Sector V, then utilize the new 7-km link to reach Bantala on Basanti Highway. Basanti Highway, in turn, reconnects with EM Bypass near Parama Island, effectively completing a cohesive traffic circle designed to improve regional connectivity and decongest the city's core arteries.
