Kolkata’s road infrastructure is set to undergo a significant upgrade as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) plans to introduce five advanced milling machines to tackle the issue of uneven road surfaces. The move, estimated to cost approximately ₹9.83 crore, aims to address the long-standing problems caused by undulated roads, which not only create inconvenience for commuters but also contribute to water stagnation and drainage issues during the monsoon season.
Over the years, Kolkata’s roads have suffered due to continuous wear and tear, heavy vehicular movement, and frequent excavation by utility service providers. Many of these roads have developed severe undulations, making them hazardous for daily commuters. Uneven road surfaces have led to an increase in accidents, damage to vehicles, and severe waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas. A major concern for the civic authorities has been the gradual rise in road levels due to repeated resurfacing without proper levelling. This has resulted in stormwater accumulating on roads rather than draining away, often entering houses and commercial establishments on the ground floors.To resolve these issues, the civic body has decided to procure new milling machines that will help restore the roads to a safer and more durable condition. At present, the KMC only has four milling machines, which are insufficient to cover the extensive road network requiring urgent repairs. The addition of five more machines is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and speed of road maintenance work.
These machines will be used to remove the topmost layer of damaged roads, ensuring a properly levelled base before fresh asphalt is laid. This process, known as cold milling, is critical for ensuring long-lasting road repairs and reducing the frequency of maintenance.
Several key roads across the city have been identified for immediate levelling and resurfacing. Some of the major routes include Rashbehari Avenue, Sarat Bose Road, Gurusaday Dutta Road, Gariahat Road, Vivekananda Road, Chittaranjan Avenue, Bentinck Street, Ripon Street, BB Ganguly Street, Baker Road in Alipore, and Roy Bahadur Road in Behala. These stretches are among the busiest in Kolkata, catering to thousands of commuters every day. The poor condition of these roads has been a major source of frustration for residents, leading to frequent complaints to the municipal authorities.
The civic body aims to complete a significant portion of the repair work before the arrival of the monsoon, as heavy rains make large-scale roadwork nearly impossible. However, certain stretches where underground pipeline and utility work is still in progress may require additional time before resurfacing can begin. Officials have assured that once the new milling machines are deployed, the road repair process will be expedited, improving the overall quality of Kolkata’s road network.
The introduction of these machines is expected to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the city’s road infrastructure. By adopting a more systematic approach to levelling and resurfacing, the municipal body aims to reduce the frequency of road deterioration, cutting down on repeated repair costs and ensuring a safer, smoother commuting experience for residents. This investment reflects a proactive step towards enhancing Kolkata’s urban infrastructure, prioritising road safety, and addressing civic concerns that have persisted for years.
Kolkata to get new machines for road repairs
