Kolkata's Belgharia Flyover Faces Four-Month Closure for Critical Repairs
Kolkata braces for significant traffic disruptions as the Belgharia railway flyover shuts down from Saturday. This crucial link between the Belgharia Expressway and the airport will remain closed for nearly four months to facilitate urgent repairs. Commuters in north Kolkata and surrounding areas express deep concerns about potential major traffic jams during this period.
Structural Defects Prompt Immediate Action
A Public Works Department official revealed that recent audits uncovered serious structural defects in the flyover. "An inspection detected flaws in several girders, leading to discussions with the railways," a PWD engineer stated. The official further explained to TOI that a fresh inspection on December 23 showed poor conditions in multiple girders. Specifically, five girders on one side and seven on the other require complete replacement.
Traffic Diversions Announced by Police
The Barrackpore Police Commissionerate has announced multiple diversion routes to manage the expected traffic chaos. A senior traffic officer detailed the plan:
- Vehicles traveling from BT Road towards Nimta, Birati, or aiming to take the Belgharia Expressway to reach the airport will divert through Belgharia Rathtala More towards the Kalyani Expressway.
- Vehicles coming from Nimta or the Kalyani Expressway heading towards BT Road will reroute via MB Road.
These measures aim to minimize congestion and ensure smoother traffic flow during the closure.
Safety Concerns Drive the Closure
Kamarhati municipal chairman Gopal Saha highlighted the urgency of the repairs. The railways issued a warning that without immediate repair, the flyover posed a serious risk of a major accident. This safety alert underscores the critical nature of the shutdown, prioritizing public safety over convenience.
Residents and daily commuters now face a challenging period as they adapt to the new traffic patterns. Authorities urge patience and cooperation to ensure the repairs proceed smoothly and safely.
