Urgent repairs planned for Kolkata Lake Town FOB, Patipukur underpass
A crucial foot overbridge (FOB) in Kolkata’s Lake Town area has suffered structural damage, prompting swift action from the Public Works Department (PWD). The damaged portion of the staircase has been fenced off to prevent potential accidents, ensuring pedestrian safety in this high-traffic zone. Commuters have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of public infrastructure, urging authorities to prioritise long-term maintenance rather than reactive repairs. A senior PWD official confirmed that measures are being taken to repair the damaged section at the earliest. Meanwhile, civic bodies are also addressing another pressing issue—upgrading the Patipukur underpass, a vital connector for daily commuters.
The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has initiated the process of engaging an agency to repair the underpass, which has long suffered from infrastructural wear and tear. The project includes refurbishing approach roads, pavements, railings, and raising the height barrier to enhance safety standards. Comparatively, other metropolitan cities have implemented proactive maintenance strategies to prevent such emergency repairs. In Mumbai, for instance, continuous structural audits of footbridges and underpasses have reduced sudden failures, ensuring uninterrupted pedestrian and vehicular movement. Kolkata, however, continues to face recurring issues due to delayed maintenance and reactive governance, leading to inconvenience for thousands of daily commuters.
From an urban sustainability perspective, infrastructure maintenance must be more than just an emergency response. Instead of piecemeal repairs, Kolkata requires a comprehensive urban development strategy focused on longevity and resilience. The frequent need for repairs highlights the lack of sustainable materials and construction methodologies in public projects. Introducing durable, eco-friendly materials for FOBs and underpasses can significantly extend their lifespan while minimising environmental impact. Additionally, better urban planning with dedicated pedestrian corridors and robust public transport systems can reduce stress on existing infrastructure, fostering a more sustainable city.
Beyond sustainability, the civic concern is evident—poorly maintained public infrastructure poses serious safety risks and disrupts daily life. With Kolkata’s growing population and increasing urban demands, authorities must adopt a forward-thinking approach, ensuring infrastructure remains safe, accessible, and efficient. While the immediate repairs of the Lake Town FOB and Patipukur underpass are necessary, the larger issue remains—will Kolkata’s civic bodies shift from short-term fixes to a proactive, long-term maintenance strategy? Only time will tell whether these repairs mark the beginning of a sustainable urban development vision or yet another temporary patch-up job.
