Upcoming road construction and diversions in Kolkata

Kolkata is witnessing several major road construction projects and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and supporting the city’s rapid growth. Here’s a detailed overview of the prominent ongoing and upcoming road works and expected traffic diversions in and around Kolkata.

1. Kalyani Expressway and Belghoria Expressway Link Project

A major highway link connecting Kalyani Expressway and Belghoria Expressway is under construction, aimed at drastically reducing travel time between Kolkata Airport and Kalyani AIIMS from two hours to approximately 45 minutes.

• The project involves completing a 3.8 km stretch to connect these two expressways, with the construction of a 1.3 km elevated corridor between Mathkal and Sukantapally to ease traffic flow at the zero point junction.
• Work on pillar laying and piling is ongoing, causing some traffic congestion and diversions at the work intersections.
• To mitigate congestion, a two-lane service road is being carved out alongside Belghoria Expressway.
• The project also includes broadening Kalyani Expressway to six lanes between Nimta and Muragacha (4.6 km) and constructing 19 bridges and multiple underpasses.
• While most of the 39 km of 4-lane roads are complete, some stretches face delays due to legal and encroachment issues.
• The overall project, started in June 2019, is expected to be completed by September 2025, though delays are anticipated2.

2. 4-Laning of Barasat–Barajaguli Section of NH-12

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is executing a 4-laning project on the Barasat to Barajaguli section of NH-12, spanning approximately 17.7 km in North 24 Parganas district. This upgrade will improve traffic flow and safety on this busy corridor1.

3. EM Bypass Flyover Project

A significant flyover project on the Eastern Metropolitan (EM) Bypass is underway to connect New Town with key areas like Salt Lake and Sector V. The proposed 7 km four-lane flyover will start from Metropolitan Crossing and pass through Chingri Ghat, Salt Lake Bypass, and Sector V, ending near Maheshtala.

• The project includes three ramps at Sector V to improve traffic access.
• The estimated cost is ₹7728 crore, with ₹150 crore allocated in the 2024-25 state budget.
• This flyover will reduce travel time from EM Bypass to the IT hub to under 10 minutes and is managed by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA)3.

4. Other Road Construction and Drainage Works by KMDA

Several smaller-scale road and drainage projects are ongoing across Kolkata, including:

• Construction of concrete and paver block roads in various localities.
• Stormwater drain construction and restoration works to improve drainage and reduce flooding during monsoons.
• These projects aim to improve local road conditions and are being executed by KMDA and other departments with deadlines mostly in early 20255.

5. Traffic Diversions and Congestion Management

Due to ongoing construction, especially on the Kalyani-Belghoria link and EM Bypass flyover, commuters can expect:

• Temporary diversions and lane closures at construction sites.
• Congestion near key intersections like zero point on Belghoria Expressway.
• Use of service roads alongside expressways to maintain traffic flow.
• Authorities advise planning alternate routes and allowing extra travel time during peak construction phases.

Summary Table of Key Projects and Expected Impact

Recommendations for Commuters

• Stay updated on traffic advisories from Kolkata Police and PWD.
• Use navigation apps with live traffic updates to avoid congested construction zones.
• Consider alternate routes during peak hours near construction sites.
• Allow extra travel time until major projects are completed.

These infrastructure projects, while causing some short-term inconvenience, promise to significantly enhance Kolkata’s road connectivity and reduce traffic snarls in the long run.