Kolkata Police Implements Traffic Decongestion Plan Near Airport
The Bidhannagar Police commissionerate has initiated a significant traffic management measure by deciding to relocate multiple long-distance bus counters and passenger pick-up points from Jessore Road to a vacant plot along VIP Road. This strategic move aims to unclog the heavily congested airport corridor that has been plaguing commuters and airport-bound travelers for years.
Current Traffic Nightmare on Jessore Road
Presently, these bus counters operate between Airport Gate No. 1 and 2 on Jessore Road, serving dual purposes as both ticketing kiosks and boarding points for North Bengal-bound buses originating from Esplanade, Salt Lake, and Garia. Police authorities have confirmed that this arrangement consistently chokes traffic during evening peak hours, particularly between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
The problem escalates when large buses waiting to collect passengers occupy substantial carriageway space, creating severe bottlenecks not only on Jessore Road but also causing spillover congestion on VIP Road. This gridlock significantly slows down airport-bound vehicles coming from Ultadanga and surrounding areas, creating frustration among daily commuters and airport travelers alike.
New Location Along VIP Road
To combat this persistent issue, authorities have identified an empty plot along VIP Road, approximately 100 meters before the Airport Gate 1 crossing and opposite the airport entry road. The selected site offers a crucial advantage: it sits adjacent to a wide service lane that will enable buses to move off the main thoroughfare while waiting for passengers.
A senior officer from the commissionerate explained the anticipated benefits: "The new location will allow us to divert buses to the service road beside the vacant land. This means even if buses halt for several minutes to board passengers, the main carriageway will remain clear, substantially easing congestion in the area."
Official Inspection and Implementation Timeline
On Monday, Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Murli Dhar personally inspected the proposed relocation site and finalized the comprehensive shifting plan. Police officials have indicated that the relocation process is likely to be completed by next week, marking a swift implementation of this traffic improvement initiative.
Commuter Reactions and Broader Context
The decision has garnered strong support from daily commuters who have long complained about chronic traffic snarls along this critical stretch. Rajat Chakraborty, a Birati resident who regularly drives along Jessore Road and VIP Road, described the evening rush as "painstaking" and detailed his experience: "Vehicles crawl between Haldiram's crossing and Airport Gate 1. Even after crossing Gate 1, traffic remains heavy until the Belghoria Expressway crossing. Once these large buses are moved off the main road, traffic flow should improve noticeably."
This relocation initiative occurs against a backdrop of recurring criticism regarding access to Kolkata's airport. In passenger feedback surveys, the airport has consistently scored poorly on "ease of access" parameters, primarily due to congestion outside its gates. The 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey conducted by the Airports Council International (ACI) revealed that travelers reported taking longer to reach the airport in 2025 compared to the previous year.
A senior official at Kolkata airport welcomed the development, stating: "We support all constructive changes in traffic planning that benefit passengers and make their journey to and from the airport smoother." This collaborative approach between traffic authorities and airport management underscores the importance of integrated urban transportation solutions.
The relocation of bus counters represents a practical step toward addressing Kolkata's growing traffic challenges, particularly around critical infrastructure like the airport. As the city continues to expand, such targeted interventions will become increasingly essential for maintaining efficient urban mobility and enhancing the overall travel experience for residents and visitors alike.
