In a strategic move aimed at addressing escalating traffic congestion, the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is in the process of selecting a consultant for the preliminary survey and widening project of the crucial Garia Dhalai bridge.
The urgency for this development comes on the heels of a plea from the Kolkata Traffic Police, emphasising the immediate need for the bridge’s expansion to alleviate traffic snarls. The chosen consulting firm is mandated to conduct a comprehensive survey, incorporating soil exploration tests within a tight timeframe of two weeks. The Dhalai bridge assumes paramount significance as a vital link connecting the Bypass and the southern Bypass, and its widening is perceived as instrumental in ensuring smoother vehicular flow. Addressing the pressing issue, the police underscored that optimising the unused portion of the northern side of the bridge by 50 percent is pivotal for achieving a seamless traffic flow. Presently, north-bound vehicles experience substantial queues extending 500 to 700 metres on the Baruipur police district side, with wait times reaching up to 10 to 12 minutes during the monsoon season.
To tackle these challenges, the police have proposed three solutions to the KMDA. These include modifying the existing southern-end concrete divider by reducing its length, widening the southwest corner of the crossing, and removing two out of the four existing pavements to enhance road width. This strategic move by the KMDA aligns with the city’s commitment to infrastructure development and efficient traffic management. The imminent survey and subsequent widening initiatives are anticipated to not only mitigate current traffic woes but also lay the groundwork for a more streamlined and responsive urban transportation network. As Kolkata continues to grow, such infrastructural enhancements play a crucial role in sustaining the city’s dynamism.
