KMDA to assess Chiria More ramp proposal for new Chitpore ROB
Times of India | 24 March 2025
Kolkata: The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is set to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether the carriageway space on the proposed new Chitpore rail over bridge (ROB) can be widened to facilitate the construction of a ramp for connecting the BT Road, near Chiria More, with the ROB. Currently, there are plans to dismantle and reconstruct the dilapidated ROB. The proposed ramp will help in better vehicular traffic dispersal.
"As of now, there is a proposal to reconstruct Chitpore ROB with a standard length and carriageway width ," said a state urban development department official, adding that the carriageway needs to be a bit wider for construction of the ramp.
"The final detailed project report of the demolition and reconstruction plan of the ROB will be prepared after the feasibility study to explore the widening possibilities," said a govt official.
Officials mentioned that as per the plan till now, the demolition of the existing ROB structure and reconstruction of the new ROB will be done simultaneously by the same agency, which will be selected once the DPR (detailed project report) gets approved and authorities float tenders. "However, before that, there are a few other issues that need to be sorted out. There are close to 150 dwellers living in shanties below the existing structure who need to be relocated before the demolition work begins. Besides, clearance from the rail authorities is also needed," officials said.
The over 70-year-old Chitpore ROB, connecting Bagbazar and Cossipore in north Kolkata, has been an important link. Some years ago, KMDA's bridge advisory committee recommended dismantling of the Chitpore ROB and its reconstruction after conducting structural health tests. The bridge was found to be beyond long-term repairs. "The ROB has been severely damaged due to heavy corrosion. The reinforcements below the deck slab have been exposed. Rust has accumulated on the iron reinforcements.
Short-term repairs have been done. But long-term repair is no longer possible for the ROB," officials said.