Kolkata's commuters, already grappling with the ongoing repair work on the Sodepur flyover, are now bracing for a fresh wave of severe traffic disruptions. The city's crucial Belgharia flyover, which connects the Belgharia Expressway to the Dum Dum airport, is set to be completely closed to traffic for urgent structural repairs.
Official Inspection Seals Fate of Key Flyover
On Tuesday, a high-level team of administrative officials conducted a critical inspection of the Belgharia flyover's structural health. The team included Public Works Department (PWD) executive engineers, senior officers from the Barrackpore Commissionerate, and the chairman of Kamarhati Municipality. Following their on-site assessment, the unanimous decision was taken to shut down the flyover to carry out urgent and necessary repairs.
Structural Audit Reveals Critical Damage
The decision for closure stems from the alarming findings of a recent structural health audit. Engineers conducting the audit discovered that the condition of the girders located above the railway tracks is extremely poor, posing a potential risk. This critical damage necessitates immediate intervention to ensure public safety.
The Belgharia flyover is not just any road; it is a vital arterial link for the northern parts of Kolkata and beyond. It seamlessly connects:
- BT Road
- The airport-bound Belgharia Expressway
- The Kalyani Expressway
- Jessore Road
Widespread Impact on Daily Commuters and Commerce
The closure is expected to cause significant hardship for a diverse range of users. The flyover is heavily relied upon by:
- Large goods vehicles for freight movement
- Office-goers
- Students
- Daily commuters from both sides of the structure
With the Sodepur flyover work already causing severe inconvenience, the simultaneous closure of the Belgharia flyover threatens to create a massive traffic gridlock in the northern corridors of the city, especially for those heading to or from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Authorities are yet to announce the exact date for the closure or the duration of the repair work, leaving thousands of daily travelers in a state of uncertainty and anticipating longer, more congested commutes.
