Kolkata: The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has commenced road repairs in Salt Lake to patch up pothole-ridden spots and lay fresh bitumen on as many damaged stretches as possible before the monsoon arrives. Civic officials have identified four to five road stretches in Salt Lake that are in critical condition and require urgent attention, including the stretch near tank number 13.
Work Underway on Key Stretches
Repair work has already begun on the main thoroughfare in the FE block, with plans to extend to other badly damaged areas riddled with craters and potholes. Authorities are stripping away old, broken bitumen layers to lay fresh, durable pitch. The goal is to cover as many damaged stretches as possible to prevent waterlogging and commuting hazards during the upcoming monsoon season.
Residents Voice Concerns
Battered roads in Salt Lake have been a persistent issue for residents over the past two years. While some main thoroughfares were previously repaired, wear and tear have resurfaced, and roads inside the blocks have again deteriorated. Dust particles from loose bitumen on damaged spots fill the air as vehicles pass by. “It is good to see that the civic administration has acknowledged the pathetic state of Salt Lake roads and is moving quickly to improve the conditions,” said Dipankar Mukherjee, a resident of the CL block.
Residents have highlighted several stretches needing urgent repairs. “Chowpatty Road in CL Block near the metro station has degenerated into an appalling cratered obstacle, almost resembling the surface of the moon. The potholed, caving road and broken pavements pose severe safety risks to bikers, make walking hazardous, and threaten drivers with spinal injuries,” said Shayan Mitra Mustafi, secretary of the Citizens’ Forum, Salt Lake.
Government Involvement
After being elected last month, Bidhannagar MLA and Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee, along with Rajarhat New Town MLA Piyush Kanodia, held a meeting with BMC officials to discuss the urgent need for road repairs. “As of now, patch work will be conducted on as many damaged stretches as possible before monsoons,” Mukherjee said. The minister is maintaining regular contact with the civic body to track pre-monsoon preparatory work.
