Kolkata is set to receive a significant boost in traffic connectivity this month with the anticipated opening of a new two-way Bailey bridge over the Kestopur canal. This crucial infrastructure project, spearheaded by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), aims to provide much-needed relief to residents of Salt Lake, Golaghata, and Dakshindari areas by improving the link between Salt Lake and VIP Road.
Traffic Block and Installation Timeline
To facilitate the final installation of the bridge structure, a planned traffic block will be in effect. From midnight on January 9, a 30-40 meter stretch of the Kolkata-bound flank of VIP Road, located between Dakshindari and Golaghata, will be partially closed for approximately five to seven days. According to Bidhannagar traffic police, two out of the four lanes on this stretch will be shut down.
A KMDA official explained the process, stating, "It will take about a week to install and properly fix the truss structure on the pillars to complete setting up the Bailey bridge. After that, a load test will be conducted." The official confirmed that the bridge is expected to be ready for public use by the end of January.
Bridge Specifications and Advantages
The new infrastructure marks a substantial upgrade over the existing Bailey bridge at Lake Town. While the older bridge only permits one-way traffic entering Salt Lake from VIP Road, the new structure will be a full-fledged two-way bridge. It will directly connect AA Block in Salt Lake with VIP Road near Dakshindari.
Key specifications of the new bridge include:
- A length of approximately 45 meters.
- A width of 7.5 meters.
- Dedicated two lanes for smooth two-way traffic flow.
An official highlighted the expected traffic benefits, noting, "The new bridge will help reduce traffic at Hudco crossing and at the AK Block-AJ Block junction, where there is a concrete vehicular bridge connecting with Kestopur." This will decongest these critical and often bottlenecked points.
A Long-Awaited Connectivity Solution
The first Bailey bridge in the area was installed back in September 2019 as an alternative one-way route into Salt Lake from VIP Road. The addition of this second, two-way bridge is a direct response to the growing traffic demands and the need for more efficient connectivity between these densely populated and commercially active zones of North Kolkata.
Once operational, the bridge will offer a direct and less congested pathway for thousands of daily commuters, enhancing travel efficiency for residents of Salt Lake and those living along VIP Road in Golaghata and Dakshindari. The project underscores KMDA's ongoing efforts to address urban mobility challenges in the city.
