In a first, EM Bypass to get barricades for puja crowd
Times of India | 22 September 2024
Kolkata: The Kolkata Traffic Police will coordinate with Baruipur Police and Bidhannagar Police to ensure that traffic flows smoothly despite two major attractions at two ends of the city – Sreebhumi in the north and Kendua Shanti Sangha in south. In a first, EM Bypass is set to witness pedestrian channels and barricading at its extreme south end with cops creating walking bays from Garia’s Dhalai Bridge to Kendua.
Bus stops around the Baishnabghata Patuli Township crossing will be shifted with Baruipur Police being requested to help crowds move seamlessly around the Shahid Khudiram metro station.However, Sreebhumi remains the challenge for Bidhannagar Police — and even Kolkata Police A meeting was held on Saturday between Bidhannagar Police and their Kolkata counterparts to ensure that coordination remains seamless. It was decided that no long-distance bus will be allowed on VIP Road. They will be diverted via Salt Lake-New Town at Building More. Ultadanga, Shyambazar and Jorabagan traffic guards instructed to ensure this, especially after 3 pm. Trucks are to be diverted via Jessore road.
This year, Kolkata Police will also begin other necessary diversions based on real-time development around Sreebhumi. They, along with Barrackpore Police, will deploy additional personnel on the road in the northern end of the city and Jessore Road to prevent snarls on the approach roads to VIP Road from both directions.
Police will put up signage, asking airport-bound vehicles to take a diversion towards New Town from Chingrighata. “Those headed for Rajarhat have been asked to use the Basanti Highway link,” said an officer. “We have been specially instructed to ensure that CIT Road does not get clogged at any cost as there are multiple big pujas on that route as well, “ he added.
The top brass at both commissionerates has asked all cops to take a hands-on approach. “While restrictions and timings are necessary, they are not sacrosanct. Top officers have asked us to divert vehicles as required. We have been given permission to allow trucks on VIP Road-EM Bypass to clear highway gridlock due to the puja diversions post 6 am, provided there is no pressure on the road,” said an officer.