Salt Lake traffic congestion has intensified near the AA Block approach to the canal-side area after a new two-way Bailey bridge connecting Salt Lake with VIP Road began attracting more vehicles, creating daily office-hour jams and concern over heavier traffic during the festive season.
The bridge, which became operational in February, was introduced to improve movement between Salt Lake and VIP Road. While the earlier Bailey bridge allowed one-way traffic from VIP Road towards Salt Lake, the new bridge enables vehicles to travel in both directions. This has benefited commuters entering Salt Lake as well as those travelling out towards VIP Road.
According to the report, traffic was initially limited because awareness about the new route was low. Vehicle volumes have since increased steadily. Residents of AA Block have complained that the internal road on the Salt Lake side is narrower than the corresponding stretch on VIP Road, leaving it unable to handle the growing flow during office hours.
Long queues are now forming near the AA Block side of the canal. Residents have said that congestion is making it difficult for some people to take their private vehicles out, while others are being forced to wait for extended periods before they can move through the area.
A traffic signal crossing has also been introduced near Golaghata. Vehicles can turn right towards the airport or left towards Ultadanga and onward to Kolkata. The additional route choices have improved connectivity, but they have also brought more traffic into the narrower Salt Lake approach, according to the report.
The congestion has become a particular concern ahead of the puja period, when traffic volumes are expected to rise around major movement corridors and local destinations. Residents have therefore sought additional police deployment in the area to manage vehicle movement during the festive season.
The matter was raised at a coordination meeting between puja committees and the police held at the New Town Convention Centre. A representative of AA Block reportedly brought the traffic problem to the attention of Police Commissioner Rathore Amitkumar Bharat and requested extra personnel during the puja period. The commissioner assured residents that steps would be taken, according to the report.
Police sources said officers have already inspected the location. The department is taking necessary measures to address the problem, the sources said, although the report does not specify the number of personnel to be deployed or whether any permanent road-widening or traffic-engineering work has been approved.
The immediate response will therefore focus on traffic management at the Bailey bridge approaches and the AA Block road. Further details on deployment arrangements and operational changes are expected before the puja period.
