Vidyasagar Setu in Kolkata Undergoes Weekly Sunday Shutdowns for Major Cable Replacement
Kolkata's iconic Vidyasagar Setu was closed for 12 hours on Sunday, from 6 am to 6 pm, to facilitate critical work on replacing the bridge's stay cables. Traffic movement resumed normally from 6 pm onwards after the completion of this phase of the rehabilitation project.
Extended Weekly Closures Planned Until June End
Both police officials and engineers from the Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners (HRBC) have indicated that these weekend shutdowns, which are occurring almost every Sunday except during major festivals, will continue at least until the end of June this year. This schedule is part of a systematic effort to overhaul the aging infrastructure without causing prolonged disruptions.
Details of the Cable Replacement Work
Senior HRBC engineers explained that the rehabilitation work involves replacing two types of cables: stay cables and holding-down cables. The shutdown on Sunday was specifically aimed at completing a portion of this extensive task. They emphasized that additional traffic closures will be necessary before the entire rehabilitation project is finalized.
HRBC is undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of the 33-year-old bridge. Officials provided specific details: out of the 152 stay cables, 19 are slated for replacement. Additionally, the replacement of the first 4 hold-down cables has already been completed, with 15 more remaining to be done in a phased manner. To manage this, weekly closures are being enforced on Sundays to allow HRBC engineers to carry out the work safely and efficiently.
Historical Significance and Structural Features of Vidyasagar Setu
The 823-metre-long Vidyasagar Setu, which first opened to traffic in October 1992, holds the distinction of being the first and longest cable-stayed bridge in India. It features a width of 35 metres and is supported by 152 cables that use steel pylons to hold the bridge structure, making it a vital artery for Kolkata's transportation network.
This ongoing maintenance is crucial for ensuring the bridge's longevity and safety, reflecting HRBC's commitment to preserving this key infrastructure amid the city's dynamic urban landscape.
