VIP Road traffic delay prompts repairs on stretch near airport
Times of India | 12 July 2025
Kolkata: PWD began urgent repairs on the stretch between AAI Gate and Haj House on the city-bound flank of VIP Road on Friday night.
Incessant rain has severely damaged multiple stretches of VIP Road, leaving them battered and riddled with craters. The condition became so critical that cops had to shut down traffic on a portion of the Ultadanga-bound flank and divert vehicles along the airport-bound flank on some stretches to keep cars moving amidst massive traffic snarls on Friday. "Repair work on VIP Road (AAI Gate to Kaikhali Haj House, Kolkata flank) will start from Friday night and will continue till 7 am on Monday. The work may cause some traffic congestion but will improve road conditions and will ensure smoother traffic flow from next week," said an officer from Bidhannagar Traffic Police.
The stretch between the airport crossing and Haldirams was reported as the worst affected. According to police, stone chips and gravel were dislodged from parts of the road that were repaired last year using paver blocks. Heavy showers eroded the road's top layer, exposing potholes and craters, making it difficult for vehicles to travel. A survey by TOI on Thursday showed cars moving slowly in both directions between Haldirams and airport gate 1. A 350-m stretch on the Ultadanga-bound flank was partially closed off with guard rails. "The last two days of rain left VIP Road in a very poor state. Traffic has become extremely slow, especially during the morning and evening peak hours," said an officer. "The potholes are so close to each other that it is impossible to avoid all of them. The authorities need to act quickly and repair the damaged stretches," said Diptobroto Bhattacharjee, a motorist. For bikers, the situation is riskier. Saikat Niyogi, who commutes from BT College to Sector V, said gravel and a slippery surface increase the risk of skidding. "It forces bikers to slow down, which in turn hampers the overall traffic flow," he added.
"Loose stones are creating additional hazards, especially for two-wheeler riders. It is also difficult to see how deep the waterlogged potholes are, which increases the risk of accidents," said a traffic officer. A PWD official said patchwork will be carried out to level the damaged portions.