Kolkata plans to convert vacant spaces beneath flyovers and bridges into sports zones and public play areas, with the proposed facilities expected to support table tennis, badminton, carrom and other indoor or tabletop games.
State urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul said stretches underneath bridges would be fenced with nets on both sides, illuminated and decorated with lights. The plan is intended to create dedicated recreational spaces in areas that are too confined for larger games such as cricket and football.
“We are planning to develop the stretches below flyovers where citizens can enjoy playing games like table tennis, carrom and others. The sides of the stretches would be fenced off with nets and the place will be illuminated and decorated with lights where commuters or office-goers can spend some time playing indoor games, like the existing chess playing spot below Gariahat flyover,” Paul said.
The existing chess-playing area below Gariahat flyover is being considered an example for the proposed sports zones. The minister said the spaces could give commuters, office-goers and other residents places to spend time in the city, while keeping activities separated from traffic through protective netting.
Kolkata already has examples of similar efforts to reuse land beneath elevated infrastructure. Earlier this year, a roughly 100-metre stretch below Baguiati flyover at Joramandir crossing on VIP Road was converted from a garbage dumping spot into a community zone. The area includes cricket and football facilities, zones for Zumba and skating, and a pet park. Protective netting separates the activity areas from the adjoining traffic.
In New Town, a stretch below the Axis Mall flyover on the main arterial road in Action Area I was developed in 2022 as a public hangout zone. It included colourful graffiti, seating areas, a designated space for small social gatherings and a pop-up zone.
The proposed expansion also intersects with efforts to manage the spaces beneath bridges and flyovers. Earlier last year, the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority conducted a drive to clear unauthorised encroachments from stretches below several bridges and flyovers. The cleared areas were fenced to prevent encroachments from returning.
Paul also said discussions had been held with business chambers on beautification of road dividers and spaces beneath bridges. According to the minister, business chambers could undertake beautification work using corporate social responsibility funds. The government is preparing to provide them with a list of roads where such work can be carried out.
The announcement does not specify the total number of locations, the cost of the sports facilities, the agencies responsible for construction and maintenance, or a completion timeline. Further implementation details will determine how the proposed zones are selected, secured and managed alongside traffic movement and existing municipal responsibilities.
