Talla Bridge closure: State to run addl buses to ease traffic

Kolkata: The State Transport department has decided to run additional buses in diverted routes to ease traffic communication due to the closure of Talla Bridge since September 25, 2019. The bridge is the prime gateway for buses and heavy vehicles entering Kolkata from North 24-Parganas. The decision comes after RITES revealed that the condition of Talla bridge is unfit for vehicles over three tonnes to ply over it.

State Transport department officials have figured out alternative routes for buses in the Talla bridge. Vehicles from Barrackpore and Sodepur in North 24-Parganas use this bridge to reach the city. It is also a key link between Shyambazar, Chiria More, Sinthee, Dunlop and B T Road in the city. Talla bridge-bound goods vehicles had been diverted from B T Road to Kona Expressway.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee always wants that commuters should not face any difficulties due to the diversion of routes. Today, under her instructions, we conducted a meeting with state Transport department officials, Kolkata Metro Railway officials and Railway officials. We have decided to run additional buses in the diverted routes," said state Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari.

He reiterated that West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) is running 28 buses (34-seater) buses in diverted routes at present. "We have decided to increase the number of WBTC buses to 50 by Diwali. From November 1, we will run 100 more mini buses (24-seater). The fare will be the same," the minister said.

For the convenience of commuters, map of diverted routes will be put up at different public places. A control room will be set up at Kolkata Police Traffic Institute in Belgachia to monitor plying of vehicles in diverted routes. While, the state government has decided to demolish the Talla bridge after international bridge expert V K Raina said the bridge has already lived its life, the light motor vehicles are now allowed to ply through the bridge at a speed of 10 km per hour.

On Monday, the minister will conduct a meeting with bus operators, taxi operators, taxi-hailing app services and minibus operators. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Metro Railway has decided to run 10 additional trains, more auto rickshaws will run on 20 different routes from R G Kar Medical College and Hospital to Dunlop. The minister pointed out that talks are on with Barrackpore Police Commissionerate to run shuttle car services for smooth communication of people especially during office hours.