Kolkata Awaits For The Rain To Halt To Launch Urgent City Road Repairs
Kolkata’s civic authorities are struggling to launch widespread road repairs amid persistent rain, leaving commuters to battle deteriorating road conditions across several zones. Despite identifying at least 15 severely affected stretches, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has been unable to act, as waterlogging and ongoing showers have rendered repair work impractical. The administration is now planning a night drive initiative to restore damaged surfaces once the weather stabilises, with hopes pinned on an extended dry spell to expedite restoration.
From Dum Dum to Behala, complaints have surged over deep potholes, broken asphalt, and dug-up roads resulting from delayed infrastructure projects. Locations like Shyambazar, MG Road, BBD Bagh, Gariahat Road, and Alipore Road are among the high-priority zones on KMC’s repair list. However, the civic body has admitted that its plans are contingent on rainfall patterns. Roads in port areas—such as Coal Berth Road and Paharpur Road—remain excluded from immediate works due to overlapping jurisdiction with Kolkata Port authorities, which have yet to release necessary funds. Frustration is mounting among residents in Behala and Thakurpukur, where roads have remained dug-up for years following incomplete sewerage upgrades. Many have reported frequent accidents and vehicle damage as a result of uneven terrain and exposed trenches. Despite repeated complaints, locals say repairs have been perpetually delayed.
The condition of Biren Roy Road and Motilal Gupta Road is of particular concern, as they serve as arterial links for thousands of daily commuters. Similarly, roads in north and central Kolkata have suffered continued deterioration due to both rain and heavy vehicular movement. Civic officials said that temporary fixes have repeatedly failed due to poor weather, and full-scale work will begin only once dry conditions prevail. The plan includes overnight resurfacing and pothole repairs to minimise traffic disruption. Yet experts have pointed out that structural repairs must go beyond surface treatments. There is growing pressure on the KMC to adopt sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure solutions—particularly as Kolkata grapples with annual monsoon disruptions that expose deeper gaps in urban planning and stormwater management.
Going forward, the city’s road maintenance strategy must shift towards proactive rather than reactive measures. The seasonal cycle of repairs, driven by monsoon damage, is not only inefficient but unsustainable. Kolkata’s long-term infrastructure plans must include durable materials, stricter coordination with other departments, and emergency protocols for climate-related delays. For now, however, the focus remains on restoring safe commutes for thousands stranded by civic inaction.
