Kolkata: The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has initiated the process of engaging an agency to set up a foot overbridge (FOB) at the Patuli Bazar Crossing following the recommendations from the Kolkata Traffic Police. Officials said the cost of proposed project had been estimated at Rs 3.8 crore.
The project, which aims to ensure pedestrian safety, has to be completed within a year from the date of commencement of work. It will be the third FOB on EM Bypass after the ones at Chingrighata and Patuli Ghoshpara crossings. While the Chingrighata FOB was set up in 2022, the one at Patuli was inaugurated earlier this year. Officials said according to the preliminary plans, the proposed FOB would have similar specifications as its predecessors on EM Bypass.
"It is impossible for children and the elderly to cross over this wide stretch unless the signal for pedestrians turns green. Once the FOB is ready, we can encourage pedestrians to avail itand use it regularly just as the Chingrighata Crossing," said a senior police officer. In its move to ensure pedestrian safety on Bypass, KMDA is presently working to convert two culverts into pedestrian subways, one close to Uttar Panchannagram crossing and another near SRFTI. In a bid to cut down accidents involving pedestrians, especially at night, the police too have made elaborate plans along with KMDA. "We are keeping nakas at Parama Island, Highland Park, Mukundapur Market, and Chowbhaga off and on each night. We have now added the Urbana approach road, the 206-bus stand, the Ajoynagar approach, the Dhalai bridge, and another on the Kasba connector to that list. The special night checks are being conducted at these nakas," said an officer at Lalbazar.
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