1234 Kolkata: The Kolkata Traffic Police has issued an SOS to civic agencies, such as HRBC, KMDA and the irrigation department, requesting the repairs of multiple bridges, which will help them streamline the movement of vehicles, especially trucks, on bridges over the Tolly's Nullah.
On the police list are Zeerut, Kidderpore and Kalighat bridges—all three are over the Tolly's Nullah—that need to be restored to allow heavy goods vehicles on them. "This will bring much-needed relief to south Kolkata and suburbs," said a deputy commissioner. "Night traffic is often severely hit owing to truck movements. Accidents take place as trucks rush, trying to make the most of the short window they have for city entry. Jams eat into even that time. So, we want at least one dedicated bridge over the Tolly's Nullah—preferably close to Vidyasagar Setu-Kona Expressway—that can be allotted to trucks so that smaller vehicles can use other routes," said an officer.
The HRBC said RITES was expected to submit an assessment report of the Kidderpore Old Steel Bridge in five months. "We expect the bridge's restoration once the report comes in. Beautification around Tolly's Nullah is also on. CP Manoj Verma has urged stakeholders to discuss smooth traffic movement," said an officer.