Majerhat to get 2 new flyovers

Kolkata: The state Public Works Department (PWD) has began the construction of two new flyovers in the Majerhat area and the work is likely to be completed by May end this year.

Speaking about the two new proposed flyovers, Mayor Firhad Hakim stated the construction of these two bridges was still in the piling stage and it would take another 2-3 months to complete the work. The two new bridges will be ready for inauguration by the end of May or June.

He further said these two proposed flyovers would not only make the traffic movement smoother in the area, but also reduce the amount of traffic congestion from Behala on Durgapur, bailey and Tollygunge bridges, respectively on a daily basis. The traffic from the Karunamoyee side will also get divided after the construction is completed.

Out of the two flyovers to be constructed, one flyover will connect B.L. Shah Road to Anwar Shah Road and another flyover will be constructed parallel to the Karunamoyee bridge. Both the bridges will be 30ft wide.

On September 4, the Majerhat Bridge, which was one of the main connectors between south and south-west Kolkata, caved-in under the weight of early evening traffic. The flyover collapse left four dead and at least 20 people injured. The bridge, which dates back to mid-1960s, was at least 50-years-old.

After the collapse, the area, which is regularly used by daily commuters and motorists, has been facing irregular traffic movements and has also caused a snag for the residents of the area. The construction of these two proposed flyovers will provide them with some respite.