Vidyasagar Setu Sees Major 16-Hour Shutdown for Critical Repairs
The planned 16-hour shutdown of Kolkata's iconic Vidyasagar Setu was successfully executed on Sunday, with traffic flow resuming normally on both ends of the bridge by 9 pm. This significant closure was part of a crucial maintenance operation aimed at ensuring the structural integrity and long-term safety of this vital river crossing.
Key Cable Replacement Work Carried Out as Scheduled
A police official confirmed that the primary objective of the shutdown was achieved. "Key cable replacement was carried out as planned," stated the officer, highlighting the technical nature of the work. This essential maintenance is critical for the bridge's operational reliability and is part of a broader, phased repair strategy being implemented by the authorities.
Extended Weekend Closures Expected Over Next Three Months
Residents and commuters should prepare for further disruptions. The Hooghly River Bridge Commission is set to resume its comprehensive repair program on Vidyasagar Setu following the festival break. This means the bridge will face partial shutdowns on multiple weekends throughout the coming three-month period. Police have indicated that these upcoming closures will vary in duration, lasting anywhere from 5 to 16 hours at a time.
The core activity during these shutdowns will continue to be the vital cable replacement work. This phased approach over weekends is designed to minimize long-term, continuous disruption to the city's traffic network while allowing engineers to systematically address the bridge's maintenance needs.
Multi-District Police Coordination for Traffic Management
In anticipation of the repeated weekend closures, a coordinated traffic management plan has been put into action. Police forces from Howrah, Barrackpore, and Bidhannagar are working together to designate and manage alternate routes for heavy vehicles, particularly trucks.
The strategic goal is to divert this traffic away from key arteries like Strand Road and Hastings. Keeping these roads clear is deemed essential to maintain smooth and unimpeded access to the neighboring Howrah Bridge, ensuring that the city's overall traffic flow is managed as efficiently as possible during the repair period.
Authorities urge motorists to plan their journeys in advance, stay updated on official traffic advisories, and use the designated alternate routes to avoid congestion during the announced weekend shutdowns over the next quarter.
