Kolkata Police has asked the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the Public Works Department (PWD) to accelerate repairs on damaged and accident-prone roads before the surge in traffic and pedestrian movement expected during Durga Puja. Police have sent the civic agencies a list of stretches requiring urgent attention, with most repair work targeted for completion by Mahalaya.
The appeal follows continued rain that has worsened conditions on several important routes, including the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Deshapran Sashmal Road, C.G.R. Road and D.H. Road. Sections around Science City and Mominpur Crossing are also included in the police priority list.
Police have additionally raised concerns about approach roads to Vidyasagar Setu, the Sealdah flyover and the bridge near Ultadanga. These links are likely to face increased pressure during the festival period as vehicle and pedestrian volumes rise across the city.
Among the stretches identified as requiring immediate repairs are the Othakpara-Ekbalpur section of D.H. Road, Burdwan Road, Strand Road near Howrah Bridge and the Panchannagram area of the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. According to police sources cited in the report, the condition of the road at Panchannagram has contributed to reports of minor accidents involving two-wheelers.
The port areas have faced a separate combination of road damage caused by heavy goods vehicles and waterlogging. Transport Depot Road, Taratala Road and the stretch between Kidderpore Crossing and Remount Road have been identified as requiring attention. The roads serve areas with regular movement of freight traffic, making surface damage and standing water an added mobility concern.
The police assessment links the repair requirement directly to the operational pressure expected during Durga Puja. Poor road surfaces can slow traffic, increase the risk of falls and minor collisions, and complicate movement for pedestrians and emergency services during one of Kolkata’s busiest periods.
The report said KMC has assured officials that repair work will be expedited following a coordination meeting. The immediate milestone is the completion of most identified repairs by Mahalaya, although the report does not specify the cost, agency-wise allocation of work or the exact completion status of each road stretch.
