VIP Road & Kestopur: A Crucial Intersection

The intersection of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Kestopur is one of Kolkata’s most significant urban junctions, serving as a vital artery for commuters, businesses, and residents in the city’s northeastern corridor.

Why Is This Intersection So Important?

• Major Connectivity Hub:
  VIP Road was constructed in 1962 to provide a direct, speedy link between central Kolkata and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The road stretches from Ultadanga to the airport, passing through densely populated neighborhoods like Lake Town, Bangur Avenue, Dum Dum Park, Kestopur, and Baguiati15.
• Gateway to Key Localities:
  Kestopur’s location on VIP Road has made it a gateway to important areas such as Salt Lake and New Town. Its proximity to these business and residential hubs has spurred rapid growth and high population density in the region5.

Infrastructure Upgrades for Smoother Traffic

• Flyover and Subway:
  The VIP Road-Kestopur crossing was once infamous for chronic traffic snarls. To address this, a major flyover (opened in 2015) and a pedestrian subway (opened in 2014) were constructed, significantly easing congestion and improving safety for both vehicles and pedestrians156. The flyover, stretching over 2.2 km, has expanded the road to six lanes in this stretch, making commutes to the airport, Ultadanga, and Salt Lake much faster6.
• Bridges and Canal Crossings:
  Multiple bridges—including Bailey bridges—now connect Salt Lake directly to VIP Road via Kestopur, offering alternative routes and reducing pressure on main intersections. New bridges are continually being proposed and built to further facilitate smoother traffic flow, especially during peak hours and festivals47.

Urban Impact and Ongoing Developments

• Commercial and Residential Growth:
  The improved connectivity at this intersection has led to a boom in residential complexes, hotels, shopping malls, and local businesses along VIP Road and in Kestopur itself15.
• Strategic Planning:
  The success of the flyover and road-widening projects is attributed to effective planning and risk management, with additional semi-circular canal passages created during construction to maintain traffic flow—a rare example of infrastructure projects in Kolkata being completed with minimal disruption6.
• Future Projects:
  Further enhancements, such as additional Bailey bridges and a planned underpass near the airport, are in the pipeline to address ongoing and future traffic demands48.

Summary Table: Key Features of VIP Road-Kestopur Intersection

In summary:
The VIP Road & Kestopur intersection is a linchpin in Kolkata’s transport network—transforming not just how people move, but also driving economic and residential growth in the area. Continuous infrastructure upgrades ensure it remains a crucial, efficient gateway for the city’s future.