Kolkata Maa flyover sees heavy traffic surge
Kolkata’s Maa flyover, a crucial link for thousands of daily commuters, is experiencing an alarming surge in traffic congestion, with evening peak hours surpassing morning rush in intensity. A recent study by Kolkata Traffic Police reveals that as many as 19,000 vehicles per hour pass through the elevated corridor between 5 PM and 8 PM, significantly higher than the 15,000 vehicles per hour recorded in the morning rush from 8 AM to noon. This growing volume of traffic underscores the mounting pressure on the city’s road infrastructure, raising concerns over congestion management and long-term urban mobility solutions.
According to traffic authorities, the morning rush witnesses nearly 58,000 to 59,000 vehicles moving in both directions, with approximately 31,000 heading towards Park Circus and Rabindra Sadan, while 27,000 to 28,000 travel towards Science City. The evening hours see a slightly lower total, ranging from 55,000 to 57,000 vehicles, yet the density remains overwhelming. The count tends to spike by an additional 2,000 to 3,000 vehicles on certain evenings, particularly during the wedding season, further intensifying the gridlock. Conversely, inclement weather conditions have been found to reduce vehicular movement marginally.
Data also reveals a striking 11% increase in vehicle volume compared to 2022, when a similar survey was last conducted. The previous study indicated that morning traffic comprised 6,000 vehicles per hour moving towards Park Circus and Rabindra Sadan, with 4,000 vehicles heading towards Science City. In addition, around 3,500 two-wheelers had been recorded using the flyover every hour during this timeframe. The sharp rise in overall traffic is indicative of Kolkata’s growing dependence on private vehicles, exacerbating the city’s congestion crisis and contributing to increased carbon emissions.
The mounting vehicular load on Maa flyover presents a pressing challenge for Kolkata’s urban planners. While the flyover was originally designed to ease congestion and streamline traffic flow, the surge in vehicle numbers now threatens its efficiency. Transport experts argue that unless alternative mobility solutions such as robust public transport, last-mile connectivity, and carpooling initiatives are strengthened, Kolkata will continue to grapple with worsening congestion. The increasing reliance on private transport not only strains infrastructure but also contributes to deteriorating air quality, making sustainable urban planning an urgent necessity for the city’s future.
