Cratered EM Bypass: Kolkata’s Eastern Metropolitan Bypass (EM Bypass)—the major arterial link connecting Sector V and New Town to southern city areas—is now causing commuter nightmares. The tech hub corridor is deeply affected by damaged road surfaces, delays, and vehicle breakdowns, forcing everyday journeys to stretch into multi‑hour ordeals.
EM Bypass, a 32‑kilometre corridor running from Ultadanga to Kamalgazi, forms part of State Highway 3 and serves as lifeline to Kolkata’s IT districts including Salt Lake Sector V and New Town (the Bengal Silicon Valley Tech Hub).
Slow Lanes and Frustrated Commuters
Commuters recount 11‑kilometre stretches becoming stalled for up to eight hours during peak evening hours between Technopolis and Park Circus. In some cases, what should be a 30‑minute drive — such as from Sector V to Park Circus — took well over an hour and a half.
One commuter described a trip from New Town to Mukundapur lasting nearly four hours, writing online that walking would have been faster — an indicator of how the crumbling bypass stretches are impacting office-bound traffic.
Cratered EM Bypass: Impact on the Tech Workforce
Sector V, Kolkata’s bustling tech district—often called the “Silicon Valley of the East”—hosts multinational IT firms, startups, and KPOs across over 14 million sq ft of Grade A office space.
In rush‑hour gridlock, thousands of tech professionals face extended journey times, unpredictable commutes, lower productivity, and increased vehicle wear and tear. Stretch shortages are compounded by breakdowns en route—turning commutes into endurance tests.
Road Conditions: Waterlogging, Patchwork, and Persistent Craters
Several deep potholes and craters along EM Bypass—particularly near PC Chandra Gardens, Science City connector, College More, Avishikta, and RDB crossing—are waterlogged and poorly patched, with repeated rainfall washing away temporary fixes overnight.
An ongoing repair drive by Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) across a 17‑km stretch from Ultadanga to Dhalai Bridge saw 80 % of work completed over dry weekend periods. However, the arrival of nighttime showers reversed much of the progress — for example, between Ruby and Avishikta crossings potholes re-emerged by morning despite daytime repairs.
Traffic Management in Crisis
To manage flow, traffic police attempted to open extra lanes and reroute commuters via flyovers and connectors such as the Maa Flyover and Park Circus connector. Still, clogged stretches forced vehicles into a single flank, worsening delays.
Residents suggest cutting a sweets-shop at Chingrighata to widen passage near Science City. Legal hurdles around property rights and incomplete infrastructure upgrades—including Metro construction near DH Road—remain unresolved bottlenecks.
Economic Toll: Rising Repair Costs and Transit Strain
Local mechanics report a surge in business as vehicles endure pothole-inflicted damage. Scooter, auto-rickshaw, and bus operators face sensor failures, spring plate replacements, and brake fixes. Low-engine BS‑6 buses are particularly vulnerable, often halting mid-journey and reducing trips per day. A single sensor fix can cost around ₹5,000–6,000, pressuring small transport operators financially.
Broader Urban Pressures
Kolkata’s sprawling vehicle density—over 21 lakh vehicles on its road network as of 2022—exacerbates demand on road infrastructure. With 2,448 vehicles per kilometre of road, Kolkata has India’s highest car density, raising congestion risks across all major arteries including EM Bypass.
The ongoing monsoon complicates repair drives. KMC officials note that bitumen-based fixes require extended dry spells to cure; repeated rain undermines new patches and promotes rapid deterioration.
Effects on Emergency Services and Residual Areas
Residential connector roads off EM Bypass—including those in Anandapur, Mukundapur, Ajoy Nagar, Kalikapur, and Purbalok—are particularly battered. Delays jeopardize ambulances, daily commutes, and quick mobility—despite repeated local complaints. Auto drivers often truncate routes or refuse to ply these unsafe areas.
Police have flagged additional problematic roads: Prince Anwar Shah Road, Raja SC Mullick Road near Jadavpur University, and Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue—areas vital for movement but currently compromised by potholes, drainage mismanagement, and surface damage.
Promises and Future Fixes
KMC has pledged deeper repairs post-monsoon, targeting comprehensive resurfacing and interlocking concrete installations. Officials hope to complete major consolidations before Durga Puja, provided dry spells continue (The Times of India).
Local police and KMDA coordination are increasing, with stronger oversight around bridges like Jibanananda Setu and Dhakuria Bridge and tertiary roads which currently remain neglected (Telegraph India).
Conclusion: Commuting Crisis in the Tech Corridor
As Kolkata strives to build its tech-led growth at the Bengal Silicon Valley, the forgotten fractures in its infrastructure raise a stark warning. When a vital corridor like EM Bypass repeatedly crumbles, it affects daily lives, economic efficiency, and public trust in governance.
For tech professionals, commuters, students, and residents, the journey to and from work has turned from routine to ordeal—a recurring reminder that infrastructure must keep pace with ambition.
Further Reading & External Links
- Bengal Silicon Valley Tech Hub Overview and Growth
- Eastern Metropolitan Bypass: Role and Connectivity
- Salt Lake Sector V — Kolkata’s IT District
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