The Belgharia flyover, which connects the Belgharia Expressway to Dum Dum Airport in Kolkata, will be closed for urgent repairs in the New Year, officials said.

Repair work is already underway at the Sodepur flyover, causing inconvenience to commuters, office-goers, and school and college students.

“Renovation work will be started to change the defects of 12 girders of the Belgharia flyover. If the flyover is closed, there will be some problems for common people. But the flyover renovation is very important to prevent major accidents. That will be done on priority,” Kamarhati municipality Chairman Gopal Saha told reporters.

Saha further said that roads near gate numbers 2 and 4, along with other stretches, had been inspected for traffic diversion.

According to sources in the municipality, the flyover will be closed in the first week of January and will remain closed until the restoration work is completed. The decision was made on Friday, when officers and engineers from the Public Works Department, the police, and the Railways held a meeting at the municipality office. Sources said that alternative routes were discussed, but nothing was finalised.

The Belgharia flyover is an important link between BT Road, Belgharia Expressway, Kalyani Expressway, and Jessore Road. The flyover is also heavily used by large goods vehicles as well as commuters.

During a recent health audit of the flyover, it was found that 12 girders of the flyover need to be replaced and repairs have to be made. According to the sources, five girders on one side and seven on the other side require urgent repairs.

The Railways had informed the West Bengal administration of the poor condition of the bridge, following which a joint inspection was conducted on December 24.

The Belgharia flyover is an important connector for the northern suburbs of Kolkata.