Chief secy prod on regular Santragachhi traffic jam
Times of India | 13 March 2025
12 Kolkata/Howrah: Traffic congestion has become a significant concern for travellers near the Santragachhi bridge or while entering Kolkata from Kona Expressway. The ongoing flyover construction linking Santragachhi and Kona has severely impacted commuters, causing lengthy delays and necessitating alternative route planning.
Officials at Nabanna are concerned about the persistent traffic congestion between Dankuni and Santragachhi, particularly during evening hours. These disruptions have become common place since construction began on the six-lane Santragachhi flyover, a 7.2 km project costing Rs 720 crore.
On Tuesday, Bengal's chief secretary Manoj Pant convened a meeting with the police, PWD, NHAI and other agencies to address these issues and plan traffic diversions. NHAI representatives indicated that the congestion would persist for two additional months whilst the six-lane development between Palsit and Dankuni (63 km) reaches completion.
Journey times from Palsit to Kolkata now exceed three hours during daylight, extending beyond four hours after sunset.
Officials were tasked with identifying bottlenecks and ensuring police checkpoints don't impede traffic flow.
A senior administrator confirmed that managing traffic around the flyover construction remains challenging, with new diversions scheduled for late March. Plans include redirecting goods vehicles towards Bombay Road via Alampur and Delhi Road through Nibra. Additional routes via Drainage Canal Road and Howrah-Amta Road through Salap crossing are being considered. "We are working to increase road capacity, including on Kona Expressway," the official said.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier instructed authorities to maintain dedicated lanes for small vehicles and ambulances, noting difficulties faced by patients reaching city hospitals.
However, reports indicate these designated lanes near Dankuni toll plaza and Kona crossing frequently experience blockages from trucks, continuing to affect patient transport.
An official noted that to address the regular traffic chaos near Dankuni's Maitipara, construction of a new bridge is underway.
(Inputs by Falguni
Banerjee)
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