Kolkata experienced a severe traffic gridlock throughout Tuesday afternoon and evening, with multiple compounding factors creating a commuting nightmare for residents across the city, particularly in southern areas. The congestion was described as exceptionally heavy by both commuters and traffic authorities.
Primary Causes of the Traffic Chaos
According to police officials, the traffic pressure began building from the morning hours as educational institutions and offices reopened following a four-day break. This sudden influx of vehicles returning to regular routines created a substantial baseline of congestion that persisted throughout the day.
Additional Incidents That Worsened Conditions
Several specific incidents throughout the day exacerbated the already difficult traffic situation. A VIP wedding ceremony in south Kolkata drew significant vehicle movement to that area, while a vehicle breakdown on the crucial Maa flyover created a major bottleneck on this important arterial route.
Tragically, the death of motorist Nilkanta Dhara from Shibpur on Vidyasagar Setu further choked movement on this vital bridge, creating ripple effects across connected routes. Multiple wedding receptions occurring simultaneously across different city neighborhoods caused additional localized bottlenecks that contributed to the overall congestion.
Flash Protest Adds to Evening Commute Woes
Later in the day, a flash protest by university staffers at Moulali triggered major traffic diversions and significantly slowed movement on key corridors including SN Banerjee Road and AJC Bose Road. A Lalbazar officer confirmed that the protest was videographed for documentation purposes.
The officer noted, "There was planning before the execution of the agitations," suggesting the protest was organized rather than spontaneous. This planned nature of the demonstration contributed to its disruptive impact on traffic flow during the crucial evening commute period.
Worst-Affected Areas and Police Response
Among the worst-hit stretches were:
- Golpark to Park Circus corridor
- Moulali area
- PTS to Alipore route
- Various parts of Ballygunge
Traffic sources revealed that east and south-east traffic guards switched from automatic to manual signalling systems to better manage the excessive vehicle load. This tactical adjustment by traffic police aimed to optimize flow control during the unprecedented congestion.
The combination of these multiple factors created a perfect storm of traffic challenges that tested Kolkata's transportation infrastructure and police management capabilities throughout Tuesday.
