In a significant development concerning road safety, the Kolkata Traffic Police has taken proactive steps by approaching the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) with a formal request to address the deteriorating condition of the EM Bypass. This move comes in the wake of a widely circulated video that captured a distressing incident where a woman was violently thrown off a motorcycle after the rider attempted to navigate an uneven patch on this crucial arterial road.
Immediate Response to Viral Incident
The accident, which has sparked widespread concern among commuters, occurred near the Satyajit Ray Metro station on the Ruby Hospital-bound flank of the EM Bypass. A traffic police official confirmed that they have documented the area through videography and submitted this evidence to the KMC as part of their formal appeal for urgent repairs. "We videographed the area and sent it to KMC. We are also collecting the video and attaching it to our submission," stated the officer, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are treating this matter.
KMC's Comprehensive Development Plan
It is important to note that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation had already initiated a comprehensive development plan for the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass prior to this incident. This ambitious project aims to overhaul the entire 22-kilometer length of this vital road through a special repair and relaying process. However, daily commuters have consistently reported that the road remains uneven across multiple stretches, creating significant hazards, particularly for two-wheeler riders who are more vulnerable to such surface irregularities.
Current Repair Progress and Challenges
According to officials from the KMC roads department, repair work has already commenced on specific sections of the EM Bypass. The department has initiated a road smoothening drive covering a major stretch from the Ruby traffic intersection to Dhalai Bridge in Garia. Notably, the work between Baghajatin rail overbridge and Dhalai Bridge has been completed, marking progress in the overall improvement efforts.
The next phase of repairs will focus on the stretch between Ruby intersection and Hiland Park, which a KMC roads department official described as "one of the most undulated stretches of EM Bypass." This particular section presents considerable challenges for the civic body due to its severe unevenness, underscoring the complexity of the repair work required to ensure safe commuting conditions for all road users.
Public Safety Concerns and Future Actions
The viral video incident has amplified existing public concerns about road safety on the EM Bypass, with many commuters expressing frustration over the prolonged state of disrepair. The Kolkata Traffic Police's intervention signals a coordinated effort between law enforcement and municipal authorities to prioritize citizen safety. As repair work continues, authorities emphasize the importance of cautious driving, especially on sections awaiting improvement, while assuring that comprehensive measures are being implemented to address the road's condition systematically.
