Govt, Railway officials to visit Majerhat Bridge today, take final decision on alternate road

Kolkata: In a bid to finalise construction of an alternate route to ensure smooth movement of traffic in major parts of South Kolkata after the Majerhat Bridge mishap, a joint visit will be carried out at the site by senior officials of the state government and Railways on Wednesday.

Sources said that officials of the Public Works Department, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), Kolkata Police and Railways will be visiting the spot. It may be mentioned that the decision to construct an alternate road in the absence of Majerhat Bridge was taken on Friday itself and the matter was informed to the Railways.

It has been learnt that the senior engineers of PWD had worked to come up with mainly two viable plans, according to which the alternate road could be constructed. One of the proposals was to strengthen and widen an existing road close to Majerhat Bridge. The road will intersect the railway tracks and a level crossing will be set up to regulate the movement of traffic.

Now, the final decision in this connection will be taken following a decision by the officials. The step will be taken to ease traffic movement in the area.

A high level meeting was held in this connection at Nabanna on Tuesday and various aspects over the construction of the alternate road was discussed.

In a bid to ease out movement of vehicles at New Alipore area in South Kolkata, police and officials of the Irrigation department dismantled a road median on a small flyover that is commonly known as Kathpool. The step was taken so that four wheelers can easily go across the flyover.

There was another crucial meeting of the state PWD that was held at the state secretariat on Tuesday, in which engineers and important officials of the department from across the state were present. Sources said that directions have been given to maintain a close vigil at all the flyovers and bridges in the state.

Directions have also been given to concerned officials to ensure regular checking of the "health" of the structures.

Meanwhile, in another incident, plaster from a portion of Chetla Bridge fell on some people who were under the structure. Some of them received minor injuries. Necessary steps have been taken in this connection.