Kolkata's Dhalai Bridge Set for Major Upgrade to Ease Traffic Congestion
In a significant development for Kolkata's infrastructure, the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has announced that the long-awaited project to widen the Dhalai Bridge on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass near Patuli is scheduled to commence in the middle of December. This crucial update was provided by KMDA officials during a district road safety committee meeting held on Friday, directly addressing concerns raised by the joint commissioner of police (traffic) regarding the urgent need for better traffic management in the area.
Project Details and Financial Sanction
The West Bengal state government has given its full backing to this initiative, having sanctioned Rs 4.3 crore to KMDA specifically for this project. The plan involves constructing a new 21.5-meter span steel composite bridge alongside the existing structure, effectively widening the passage to accommodate the ever-increasing traffic volume on this vital artery. A KMDA official confirmed that the necessary preliminary groundwork, including a comprehensive survey and a joint inspection conducted alongside traffic authorities, has already been successfully completed.
Preparatory Work and Timeline
Significant progress has been made in the preparatory stages. The agency recently received the vetted structural drawings from Jadavpur University, a key step that validates the engineering plans. The immediate physical hurdle is an old structure located at the site, which currently obstructs the necessary piling work. Officials have outlined a clear timeline: the demolition of this obstructive structure is slated to begin on December 1 and is expected to be completed within two to three days. Following this clearance, the very first pile casting for the new bridge will commence, marking the official start of the on-ground construction phase.
Expected Impact on Kolkata Commuters
The widening of the Dhalai Bridge is poised to bring substantial relief to thousands of daily commuters who use the EM Bypass. This key corridor often experiences severe traffic bottlenecks, especially during peak hours. The addition of a new, modern bridge span is a direct response to these persistent issues and is a critical component of the city's broader strategy to enhance urban mobility and road safety. The project's initiation in mid-December signals a proactive step by the authorities to address the city's growing infrastructure demands.
