Kolkata: Vehicular traffic on Vidyasagar Setu will remain suspended on Sunday from 6 am to 2 pm to facilitate the replacement of stay cables and bearings, police said.
A notification issued by Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand stated that the temporary closure was necessary to carry out maintenance work on the country's longest cable-stayed bridge.
The Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners explained that stay cables are crucial structural components that help distribute and maintain tension across the bridge. Traffic diversion plans have been worked out in coordination with Howrah City Police. Vehicles from Alipore, Kidderpore, and Circular Garden Reach Road will be rerouted via Hastings, Strand Road, and other arterial roads towards Howrah Bridge. Police have urged motorists to plan their trips accordingly.
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes during the closure period. The maintenance work is expected to enhance the safety and longevity of the bridge. Authorities have assured that necessary arrangements have been made to minimize inconvenience to commuters.
This maintenance is part of regular upkeep to ensure the structural integrity of Vidyasagar Setu, which is a vital link between Kolkata and Howrah. The bridge, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, carries heavy traffic daily. The replacement of stay cables and bearings is a critical operation requiring full closure for safety.
