Chingrigata flyover to remain shut till 11:30 am today

Kolkata: Chingrigata flyover will be opened for vehicular movement from 11:30 am on Monday instead of 8 am. As a result, it is feared that huge traffic may occur on Monday. Kolkata Police claimed that Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) authority stated that to complete the load testing of the flyover they need some more time.

According to sources, KMDA requested Kolkata Police to keep the Chingrigata flyover closed till Monday night as their work will not be completed by 8 am. But on a Monday, the police feared that huge traffic congestion will occur if the flyover remained closed during the peak hours.

After a brief meeting, the Kolkata Police informed KMDA that it is not possible to keep the flyover closed till night as it will create tremendous traffic congestion throughout the day. Many people use Eastern Metropolitan (EM) Bypass to reach Salt Lake, New Town and the airport.

Later, it has been decided that instead of 8am, Chingrigata flyover will be opened at 11:30 am. Sources claimed that KMDA has informed that they need to work till 11 am to complete the work on a war footing. Following the decision was taken, Kolkata Police urged the citizens to avail the AJC Bose Road, APC road followed by Beliaghata Main Road to reach EM Bypass for Salt Lake and New Town. People can also avail Narkeldanga main road from Rajabazar or Maniktala main road to reach Salt Lake and VIP road for the airport.

"As it is a Monday we are expecting heavy traffic pressure. People who will avail EM Bypass to Reach Salt Lake, New Town and Airport are being requested to start earlier. It is best to avail AJC Bose Road and APC Road for Salt Lake, New Town and airport," said Pandey Santosh, deputy commissioner, traffic of Kolkata Police.

However, the diversion plan for closure of Chingrigata flyover will remain the same. Cars travelling towards New Town and Salt Lake will have to avail Broadway from Beliaghata crossing on E M Bypass. Following that New Town and Sector V-bound vehicles will have to take a right turn from GD Island to reach the road in front of Nicco Park.

From there, New Town-bound vehicles will have to take a left turn to avail the Nabadiganta flyover to reach Technopolis and New Town.