The crucial Sodepur flyover in Kolkata, which connects BT Road, Kalyani Expressway, and Jessore Road, is scheduled to reopen for vehicular traffic on the morning of January 28. This reopening comes after the flyover remained closed for several days to facilitate urgent repair work, bringing much-needed relief to commuters who have endured severe traffic congestion across north Kolkata.
Simultaneous Closures Worsened Traffic Woes
The traffic situation in north Kolkata deteriorated significantly due to the simultaneous closure of both the Sodepur and Belgharia flyovers. The Belgharia Flyover, which links BT Road and Jessore Road while connecting the airport-bound Belgharia Expressway with the Kalyani Expressway, was completely shut down for the past few days. This dual closure exacerbated the traffic problems, leading to massive snarls on key routes.
Impact on Major Roads and Commuters
As a result of these closures, traffic congestion spread across BT Road, Jessore Road, the Belgharia Expressway, and the Kalyani Expressway. Commuters and motorists faced considerable delays and inconvenience, highlighting the critical role these flyovers play in the city's transportation network. The reopening of the Sodepur flyover is expected to alleviate these issues and restore smoother traffic flow.
Repair Work Timeline and Structural Concerns
Repair work on the Sodepur flyover began nearly one month ago after serious structural faults were detected. Initially, only one flank of the flyover was closed to allow for repairs. However, to expedite the work and ensure thorough fixes, both directions were subsequently shut down for approximately one week. This comprehensive approach aimed to address the structural issues effectively and ensure the flyover's safety for public use.
The timely completion of these repairs and the scheduled reopening underscore the efforts to maintain Kolkata's infrastructure and minimize disruptions for daily commuters.
