KMDA to repair Sealdah flyover soon

Kolkata: The consulting agency engaged by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) to do the health study of Sealdah flyover, popularly known as Vidyapati Setu, has stated that the bridge is in need of repair.

"The preliminary report has pointed out that the Sealdah flyover is in need of repair. But the condition is not such that it needs immediate work. We have sought a detailed report from the consulting agency, in which they will specify the areas that need to be repaired," state Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim said.

Hakim has already brought the report to the notice of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. A senior KMDA official said that the detailed report will be submitted in the month of July and the tender will be floated for repair of the bridge.

"There are seven other bridges for which we have already engaged a consultant and their health study is going on in full swing," the official said. The flyover, set up in the late 1970s, is one of the busiest in the city.

It may be mentioned that soon after the caving in of Majerhat bridge in September last year, the state government had prepared a list of 15 bridges for structural health audit.

The list included Dhakuria bridge, Bijon Setu, Auro-

bindo Setu, Chetla bridge, Kalighat Bridge, Durgapur bridge and Sealdah flyover among others.