Proper planning makes traffic management a cakewalk

Proper execution of the plan along with awareness created by the Kolkata Traffic Police ensured smooth movement of vehicles despite Brabourne Road flyover and the road under it remaining closed till 6 am on Tuesday for the tunneling work of the East-West Metro project.

The crucial Brabourne Road flyover and the road under it remained closed from Friday midnight. As a result, all vehicles had to be diverted through different routes.

After Saturday and Sunday, it was a challenge for Kolkata Traffic Police to ensure smooth movement of vehicles so that people can easily reach their destinations on the first day of the week.

The police have passed the litmus test just by properly executing the plans that they had earlier chalked out following interactions with all stakeholders including the East-West Metro authorities, bus owners' associations and taxi owners' associations.

The Kolkata Police had engaged 30 additional sergeants and 80 constables in the areas under the jurisdiction of Howrah Bridge, Headquarters, Jorabagan and Vidyasagar Setu Traffic Guards. They have managed the movement of vehicles as per the plan.

More than 100 volunteers were also engaged to guide pedestrians that which road they should follow as the Brabourne Road was close.

The Howrah City Police too extended all cooperation in maintaining the traffic in the past three days.

The Howrah City Police diverted all South Kolkata-bound vehicles through Vidyasagar Setu.

The city traffic police also held several meetings with bus and taxi owners' associations so that each and every driver get to know about the restrictions on the movement of traffic on Brabourne Road Flyover till Tuesday morning.

V Solomon Nesakumar, Deputy Commissioner (traffic), said: "It was nothing but proper execution of the plan, awareness among people, support of all stakeholders and coordination of the Howrah Police that helped in ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles."