Kolkata Braces for Major Sunday Traffic Disruptions
Residents of Kolkata and Howrah should plan their Sunday travel with extra care. Authorities have announced significant traffic restrictions that will affect movement across the city.
Vidyasagar Setu Closure for Bridge Repairs
The iconic Vidyasagar Setu will remain completely closed to all traffic this Sunday. The shutdown period runs from 5 AM in the morning until 1 PM in the afternoon.
The Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners (HRBC) are conducting essential maintenance work. They need to replace critical components on the 33-year-old structure. Senior HRBC engineers confirmed this closure is necessary to complete part of a larger overhaul project.
Kolkata Police will enforce the closure strictly. No vehicles of any type will be permitted on the bridge during these eight hours.
Alternative Routes for Commuters
Traffic not carrying goods and heading towards Kolkata via Vidyasagar Setu must use alternative bridges. Authorities have designated three main routes:
- Howrah Bridge
- Nivedita Setu
- Vivekananda Setu
Police officers stated they will rely on several key arterial roads for managing traffic flow. These include AJC Bose Road connecting to Strand Road, APC Road linking with MG Road, and the EM Bypass-VIP Road route leading to Nivedita Setu. These corridors will handle movements related to Howrah Station.
Additional Diversions for Kolkata Police Half Marathon
Traffic challenges multiply with the Kolkata Police Safe Drive Save Life Half Marathon. This event takes place on the same Sunday morning around the Maidan area.
Kolkata Traffic Police will implement major diversions for the marathon. They will restrict all goods vehicles on key city roads from 4 AM until 12 noon.
Multiple roads in the Maidan vicinity will close to vehicular traffic. These closures will happen in a phased manner throughout the morning. Police have prepared additional diversions through arterial roads as required by the situation.
Travel Advisory for Residents
People traveling from southern parts of the city towards central Kolkata or Howrah face particular challenges. They must account for both the bridge closure and marathon diversions.
Authorities urge commuters to:
- Check traffic updates before starting their journey
- Allow extra travel time for potential delays
- Follow police instructions and diversion signs carefully
The combined impact of bridge maintenance and a major sporting event creates unusual Sunday traffic conditions. Kolkata Police emphasize careful planning for anyone needing to travel during these hours.
