Vidyasagar Setu 24 Hour Closure: Kolkata is set to witness a major traffic reshuffle this weekend as Vidyasagar Setu — the iconic cable-stayed bridge connecting the city to Howrah — will be closed to all vehicular movement for 24 hours, starting Saturday, 9 PM. The closure, necessitated by urgent maintenance and repair work, will impact thousands of daily commuters, including office-goers, transporters, and long-distance travelers.
The Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners (HRBC) have confirmed that the temporary shutdown is essential to ensure the structural safety and longevity of the bridge, which has been a critical link for Kolkata’s road network since its inauguration in 1992.
Vidyasagar Setu 24 Hour Closure: Why the Closure is Necessary
According to HRBC officials, the planned maintenance involves replacement of crucial expansion joints, inspection of steel cables, and resurfacing work on certain sections of the bridge. Over time, constant vehicular load — especially from heavy trucks — has led to wear and tear that needs immediate attention.
“The bridge bears heavy traffic daily. If these repairs are delayed, it could compromise safety,” said an HRBC engineer. “The 24-hour closure allows uninterrupted access to workers and machinery, speeding up the repair process.”
Alternative Routes for Commuters
The Kolkata Traffic Police have already issued a comprehensive traffic diversion plan to minimize disruption. Key points include:
- Howrah-bound traffic from central and south Kolkata will be diverted via Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge) and Vivekananda Setu (Bally Bridge).
- South-bound traffic from Howrah will be directed through Rabindra Setu and Second Hooghly Bridge feeder routes leading to Hastings and Kidderpore bypasses.
- Heavy vehicles will be rerouted through the Batanagar–Maheshtala–Garden Reach corridor to prevent congestion in central Kolkata.
The police have urged commuters to factor in extra travel time and, where possible, avoid non-essential road journeys during the closure period.
📌 External Reference: Kolkata Traffic Police Advisory Page
Public Transport Impact
Buses that normally cross the Vidyasagar Setu will follow detours, potentially increasing journey times by 20–40 minutes. The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) is coordinating with police to adjust timetables and ensure adequate bus availability on alternate routes.
Taxi and app-based cab operators like Ola and Uber are also expected to revise fare estimates due to increased travel time and fuel usage.
Impact on Goods Movement
Transporters moving goods between Howrah’s industrial zones and Kolkata’s wholesale markets will face delays. The Federation of Truck Operators has advised its members to plan deliveries either before 9 PM Saturday or after 9 PM Sunday to avoid congestion.
This is particularly significant as Vidyasagar Setu serves as a major link for supply chains connecting Kolkata to western districts of Bengal, Jharkhand, and beyond.
Safety and Maintenance History
Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is Asia’s longest cable-stayed bridge, with a total length of over 820 meters. While it is an engineering marvel, it requires periodic inspections to prevent structural deterioration.
The HRBC last undertook major maintenance in 2020, focusing on repainting steel sections and replacing corroded bolts. However, engineers say that expansion joint replacement is a more complex task, requiring complete traffic shutdown to ensure worker safety.
📌 External Reference: Vidyasagar Setu – Engineering Overview
How Commuters Can Prepare
- Plan ahead: Use GPS apps like Google Maps to check live traffic updates.
- Consider public transport: Metro and suburban trains remain unaffected and could be faster than road travel.
- Leave early: Especially if catching trains from Howrah Station or flights from Kolkata Airport, factor in at least 45 minutes extra.
Official Statement from Kolkata Police
Joint Commissioner of Traffic, Sudipta Chatterjee, said:
“We are taking all necessary measures to minimize inconvenience. However, public cooperation is key. Avoid the bridge closure period unless travel is absolutely essential.”
Economic Implications
Economists note that even a 24-hour closure can temporarily slow business activity. Transport costs will rise, and perishable goods like vegetables and fish might see short-term price spikes in city markets.
Wholesale traders at Posta and Burrabazar have already adjusted their delivery schedules to avoid peak congestion hours on diversion routes.
Conclusion
While the 24-hour closure of Vidyasagar Setu will cause short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits of timely repair and maintenance cannot be overstated. Commuters, businesses, and authorities will need to work together to ensure smooth traffic flow during the repair period.
The HRBC has assured that if the weather remains favorable, the bridge will reopen as scheduled on Sunday, 9 PM.
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