New canal bridges in city set to ease traffic rush during Durga Puja

Kolkata: Traffic movement in the city is expected to be smoother during Durga Puja, with the state government deciding to open up four canal bridges in the city and also taking all possible measures to open up the Eastern Bypass bound flank of Ultadanga flyover, which has been closed since July 9 for repair work.

"The repair work of the lower portion of the Ultadanga flyover has already been done. The Bridge Advisory Committee will inspect the bridge and if it gives us the nod then we will open up the flyover before Durga Puja," said state Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim.

The Ultadanga flyover was closed after some cracks were spotted on a pier and the retaining wall. The Dum Dum Airport bound flank was opened for traffic after three days, but the Bypass bound flank was closed for repair.

There are several pujas in Dum Dum and Lake Town area which draw huge crowds and so opening up the Ultandanga flyover will surely ease traffic congestion in the area and will be a boon for the pandal-hoppers.

The 45 metre Bailey Bridge in Lake Town that will cater to only one-way traffic for light vehicles from VIP Road to Salt Lake will be thrown open on September 28 (Mahalaya).

The Chetla Lockgate bridge in the south is also likely to be opened on the day of Mahalaya, but the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority - the custodian of the bridge, will only allow light vehicles to ply on it to avoid any risk.

The Izzatullah Lane Bridge and the Karunamoyee canal bridge will also be thrown open before Durga Puja.

Hakim said during the Puja, thousands of people will come from Behala to visit South Kolkata. As the construction of Majerhat bridge that had collapsed in September last year is not yet complete, there will be tremendous traffic jam in vast areas surrounding Taratala.

He added that both the bridges will help in smooth movement of traffic. Kolkata Police will introduce the one-way traffic system for smooth flow of traffic.

The Izatullah Lane bridge, which is 21 m long, is coming up at a cost of Rs 6 crore, while the 29 m long Karunamoyee Canal bridge is coming up at a cost of Rs 7 crore.

"The Karunamoyee bridge may be opened on Tuesday itself as only laying of bituminous concrete is left to be done," a senior KMDA official said.