Kolkata's Major Infrastructure Boost: Kalyani Expressway Set for March 2 Inauguration
North-bound travel from Kolkata is poised for a revolutionary transformation as the upgraded 44.2-kilometer Kalyani Expressway is scheduled to open on March 2, just ahead of the Holi festival. This significant infrastructure project promises to dramatically enhance connectivity and reduce congestion across the region.
Massive Travel Time Reduction and Key Features
According to official statements, the corridor will drastically cut travel time between Kolkata and AIIMS Kalyani to approximately 45 minutes from the current nearly two-and-a-half hours, representing a remarkable 70% reduction. A Public Works Department official elaborated on the project's scale, stating:
"This Holi festival, people of Bengal will receive a substantial gift in the form of a full-length, signal-free Kalyani Expressway. As one of the state's largest projects in recent times, executed at an investment of Rs 2,500 crore, the expressway is nearing completion with work scheduled to wrap up by February's end."
The expressway's comprehensive infrastructure includes:
- 21 signal-free flyovers spanning nearly 24 kilometers
- Seven major underpasses for uninterrupted traffic flow
- Six light-vehicle underpasses and six pedestrian underpasses
- 70 culverts, five public toilets, and a truck lay-by
- 56 passenger waiting shelters for commuter convenience
Strategic Connectivity and Airport Access Enhancement
A key highlight of this ambitious project is the 1.3-kilometer elevated corridor at the Zero Point junction in North Dum Dum, which ensures seamless integration with the Belgharia Expressway. A PWD engineer explained the significance of this feature:
"The elevated link effectively eliminates congestion at the busy crossing and allows uninterrupted movement of traffic toward Dakshineswar and the airport, creating a truly integrated transportation network."
Once operational, commuters traveling from the Belgharia Expressway–Kalyani Expressway junction to Bara Jagulia via Kanchrapara's Kampa More will complete their journey in around 40 minutes without encountering a single traffic signal. The expressway will also enable motorists to bypass congestion-prone areas like Barasat while offering significantly quicker airport access for residents from Nadia, Howrah, Hooghly, and Burdwan districts.
Political Significance and Inauguration Details
Administrative sources have confirmed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to virtually inaugurate the full-length, signal-free corridor from the "Dol Yatra and Holi Milan Utsav" program at Netaji Indoor Stadium on Monday. In official circles, the project is being described as the Chief Minister's Dol gift to the people of Bengal, highlighting its political and social importance.
Executed by the state Public Works Department, the Kalyani Expressway represents one of the largest road infrastructure initiatives undertaken in West Bengal in recent years. Its completion marks a significant milestone in the region's transportation development, promising to reshape commuting patterns, boost economic activity, and improve overall quality of life for millions of residents across multiple districts.
