Kolkata Airport Traffic Relief: Police Propose Road Rejig to Dismantle Green Verge
In a significant move to alleviate persistent traffic congestion around Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, the Bidhannagar City Police Commissionerate has put forward a crucial road restructuring proposal. The plan seeks the removal of a green verge to establish a dedicated entry lane specifically for vehicles approaching from the Nagerbazar end of Jessore Road.
Direct Access to Replace Convoluted Route
Police officials explained that the proposed single-lane road will enable vehicles to access the airport directly, eliminating the need for the current complicated turn through a narrow stretch towards gate 2.5. This particular bottleneck frequently experiences severe traffic snarls during peak hours, causing delays and frustration for travelers and commuters alike.
The proposal has been formally submitted to the Public Works Department (PWD), with a joint inspection scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Murli Dhar personally visited the site on Monday to assess the situation and propose the alignment for the new stretch, according to official statements.
Metro Construction Necessitates Traffic Adjustments
Authorities indicated that the new road arrangement has become essential due to anticipated traffic diversions during the construction of the New Garia-Airport metro corridor. As part of this restructuring, an existing U-turn cut on VIP Road at the Kaikhali crossing will be permanently closed. This U-turn is currently utilized by Ultadanga-bound vehicles to loop back towards the airport flank.
"A new U-turn will be established approximately 50 meters behind the current location," a police officer detailed. "However, vehicles using this new U-turn will not be able to access the airport via the flyover. Motorists intending to enter the airport will need to take a right turn onto the airport road. The proposed single-lane road, created after removing the green verge, will provide them with seamless entry."
Enhanced Safety and Streamlined Traffic Flow
Traffic police emphasized that this new arrangement will prevent vehicles from making sudden lane changes or executing illegal maneuvers near the flyover approach, thereby improving overall road safety. Airport authorities have welcomed the proposed intervention, describing it as a constructive step aimed at decongesting one of Kolkata's busiest traffic corridors.
"Any initiative that improves traffic conditions outside the airport is beneficial for passengers, staff, and the general public," an airport official commented.
Positive Response from Regular Commuters
Motorists who frequently use the route have expressed relief at the planned changes. Arindam Ghosh, a resident of Dum Dum who travels to the airport at least twice weekly, shared his perspective: "The current entry from the Nagerbazar side is confusing and excessively narrow. A direct access lane will save considerable time and reduce last-minute panic, especially when catching flights."
This proactive measure by the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate represents a targeted effort to address long-standing traffic issues in the airport vicinity, potentially setting a precedent for similar congestion-relief initiatives in other high-traffic areas of the city.
