Vidyasagar Setu to Remain Fully Closed on May 31 for Major Repair Work For 8 Hours

Vidyasagar Setu Closure News: The commuters expecting to use the Vidyasagar Setu on May 31, will have to be prepared from advance as the bridge will remain fully closed from 6:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m for intensive repair and rehabilitation.

The closure has been announced by the Kolkata Police after a notification was issued in the interest of public safety and convenience. The repair work is being undertaken by the Hoogly River Bridge Commissioners Authority and includes replacement of stay cables, holding down cables and bearings of the bridge.

According to the official notification signed by the police commissioner, movement of all types of vehicles will be prohibited on Vidyasagar Setu and its connecting ramps during the eight-hour maintenance period.

Major Diversions Announced for Vehicles

To manage the expected traffic pressure, Kolkata Police has announced a detailed diversion plan for vehicles travelling towards Howrah and Kolkata.

Vehicles travelling westbound along AJC Bose Road from the Zeerut Island side towards Vidyasagar Setu will be diverted from Turf View via At Grade Road towards Hastings Crossing. From there, commuters can use St. Georges Gate Road and Strand Road to access Howrah Bridge. Vehicles may also take a right turn from Hastings Crossing towards K P Road.

Similarly, westbound vehicles approaching from K P Road via the J & N Island side will be redirected from 11 Furlong Gate towards Hastings Crossing before proceeding towards Strand Road and Howrah Bridge.

For eastbound traffic coming from CGR Road on the Khidderpore side, vehicles heading towards Vidyasagar Setu will be diverted from Hastings Crossing and guided through St. Georges Gate Road and Strand Road.

In another major diversion, vehicles attempting to access Vidyasagar Setu through the Y-Point ramp near Ghora Pass on K P Road will instead be redirected towards 11 Furlong Gate and Red Road to reach Howrah Bridge.

Authorities Urge Commuters to Plan Ahead

Authorities have urged commuters who were planning to use the bridge for their commute to plan ahead and use alternate routes to avoid congestion. The bridge is one of the busiest river crossings in Kolkata and serves as a crucial link between Kolkata and Howrah. The temporary closure has made people expect immense pressure on the Howrah Bridge for daily commute and we can expect Howrah Bridge to be a lot more congested during this time.