Kolkata: The long-anticipated pedestrian subway near Kolkata airport, designed to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a safe crossing for pedestrians, is finally advancing. Authorities have pinpointed a plot for one of the subway entrances, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development. On Monday, representatives from Bidhannagar Police, airport authorities, the Public Works Department (PWD), and local civic bodies will conduct a joint survey to push the project forward.
“We have identified a portion of land within the airport premises and requested its allocation for constructing one of the subway gates on the north-western side. The second gate will be on the eastern side, replacing a pay-and-use toilet built by North Dum Dum Municipality. The third gate is planned at the hotel crossing on the south-western side,” stated a police official.
A meeting involving airport authorities, the PWD, and the police was convened two weeks ago, where all parties underscored the importance of the pedestrian subway due to escalating traffic congestion that hinders access to the airport. Recent surveys, including one on airport service quality (ASQ) by the Airports Council International (ACI), highlighted the airport’s poor performance in terms of “ease of getting to the airport,” further emphasizing the need for the project.
Historically, multiple solutions like foot overbridges and flyovers have been proposed to address traffic congestion at the VIP Road-Jessore Road intersection. However, given the current construction activities on VIP Road, including a 15-metre wide and 5.5-metre high, four-lane vehicular underpass and the New Garia-Airport Metro line, officials believe this is an opportune moment to revisit the subway project.
The expansion of airport facilities necessitates this development. Plans include constructing a cargo complex, which will involve relocating current cargo operations to make way for new aircraft parking bays. The staff quarters of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on the western side of VIP Road will be demolished to accommodate domestic and international cargo terminals and other auxiliary facilities.
The Rs 230-crore contract for the underpass construction has been awarded to Railway Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), which is also responsible for the New Garia-Airport Metro line. This dual responsibility is intended to ensure seamless coordination and execution of these interconnected projects.
“We are always open to developmental activities and will assist the state government in any way possible. We will engage with various stakeholders and proceed once we receive the detailed project plan,” assured a senior airport official.
This collaborative effort among various governmental bodies aims to streamline infrastructure development, ultimately enhancing connectivity and reducing congestion around Kolkata airport.
