Commuters travelling between Kolkata and Howrah on Sunday, May 31, are likely to face major traffic diversions as Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, will remain closed for eight hours due to maintenance work.
According to a traffic advisory issued by Kolkata Police, vehicular movement on the bridge will remain suspended from 6 am to 2 pm on Sunday.
Why will Vidyasagar Setu remain closed?
The maintenance work is being carried out under the supervision of the Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners. Authorities are currently replacing cables on the bridge along with bearings and bars as part of the repair process.
Officials said the work is time-consuming and cannot be carried out on regular working days because Vidyasagar Setu is one of the busiest routes connecting Kolkata and Howrah. For this reason, maintenance activities are usually scheduled on Sundays.
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This is not the first time the bridge has been shut for repair work. Earlier too, the bridge remained closed for several hours on multiple Sundays, with shutdown periods ranging from nine to 17 hours.
Traffic diversions announced for Sunday
Kolkata Police has put diversion plans in place to manage traffic movement during the closure.
Vehicles heading towards Vidyasagar Setu from the Zirat Island side will be diverted from Turf View. These vehicles will then move towards Howrah Bridge through Hastings Crossing.
/ANI Another alternate route has also been arranged. Vehicles can take a right turn from Hastings Crossing and proceed via Kidderpore Road.
Restrictions from Kidderpore and Garden Reach side
Vehicles coming from the J&N Island side through Kidderpore Road will not be allowed to enter Vidyasagar Setu. Such vehicles will be diverted from the 11 Furlong Gate towards Hastings Crossing. From there, traffic will move towards Howrah Bridge through Strand Road.
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Similarly, vehicles approaching from the Kidderpore side through Circular Garden Reach Road will also not be allowed onto the bridge. These vehicles will be redirected from Hastings Crossing towards St George’s Gate Road, then Strand Road, before proceeding towards Howrah Bridge.
Red road route for vehicles near Ghorapash
Vehicles travelling through Kidderpore Road and moving towards Vidyasagar Setu using the Y-point ramp near Ghorapash will also face diversions. These vehicles will be redirected from the 11 Furlong Gate towards Howrah Bridge through Red Road.
Authorities have advised commuters to plan their travel and use alternate routes to avoid congestion during the eight-hour closure.
