The persistent problem of crater-ridden roads near Kolkata’s EM Bypass is escalating into a significant challenge for urban mobility and public well-being, particularly in the residential arteries feeding into this major thoroughfare. Despite ongoing repair efforts on the main Bypass, numerous tertiary roads in areas like Anandapur, Mukundapur, and Kalikapur remain in a deplorable state, exacerbating commuting woes, damaging vehicles, and raising serious environmental and social concerns.
The recurrent damage, intensified by heavy monsoon rains, highlights a systemic issue in urban infrastructure maintenance that demands more sustainable and proactive solutions from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). Residents of areas such as Anandapur, Bhagabanpur, Mukundapur, and Kalikapur are vociferously demanding urgent intervention. Even recent patchwork repairs on stretches like Purbalok and Netai Nagar have proved ephemeral, with fresh potholes surfacing rapidly after heavy downpours. This cycle of temporary fixes followed by rapid deterioration points to an underlying issue with road construction materials, drainage systems, or repair methodologies that are ill-suited to the city’s climate. The current state of these roads not only causes significant wear and tear on vehicles, leading to increased maintenance costs for citizens, but also poses considerable safety risks, especially for two-wheeler riders and emergency services.
The human element of this infrastructure deficit is stark. Citizens report harrowing experiences, such as the agonizing journeys to hospitals for critically ill family members due to bumpy and pothole-laden roads. This directly impacts the quality of life, access to healthcare, and overall well-being. Furthermore, the deteriorating road conditions are having a direct impact on public transport accessibility. Auto-rickshaw and toto drivers are increasingly resorting to short-terminating trips or refusing to ply on severely affected stretches, leaving commuters, particularly women and the elderly who often rely on these modes, stranded and facing increased travel times and costs. This creates a disproportionate burden on vulnerable populations, highlighting the non-gender-neutral impact of poor infrastructure.
From an environmental standpoint, the cratered roads contribute significantly to air pollution and carbon emissions. Vehicles navigating potholes are forced into frequent braking and acceleration, leading to inefficient fuel combustion and increased exhaust fumes. Prolonged traffic congestion, a direct consequence of damaged roads, further exacerbates this problem, trapping pollutants in residential areas and contributing to a higher urban carbon footprint. This directly counteracts the city’s broader aspirations for a zero net carbon, eco-friendly urban environment. Addressing these road issues is not merely about convenience; it is a critical step towards enhancing urban air quality and public health.
KMC officials acknowledge receiving complaints but attribute the delay in repairs to the lack of a sustained dry spell necessary for effective road work. While repairs are currently focused on the main Bypass, the civic body has indicated that tertiary roads will be addressed subsequently. However, this reactive approach to maintenance, particularly in a monsoon-prone region, needs to evolve. Implementing sustainable road repair technologies, such as cold mix asphalt, permeable pavements for better water drainage, or even incorporating recycled materials to create more durable surfaces, could offer long-term solutions. Such innovative approaches would build more resilient roads, reduce the frequency of repairs, and minimise environmental impact, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable urban landscape for Kolkata.
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