KP survey on EMB to shift bus stands from Ruby, Abhishikta crossings

Kolkata: The Kolkata Traffic Police carried out a ground survey of EM Bypass on Tuesday, as proposed by IIT Kharagpur, with a focus on shifting a few bus stands so that crossings do not get clogged and pedestrians can cross over safely. The final inspection, where KMC officials will be present between the Ruby crossing and Kadapara stretch, is expected to be completed by the end of this week.The Chingrighata bus stop relocation is being used as a role model in this regard, with the bus stand now shifted much closer to Captain Bheri. "We found that this is helping in traffic circulation, especially from Nicco Park end in Salt Lake. This made us rethink," said an officer. Among the major bus stops that might witness a shift are those at Ruby and Abhishikta crossings."The auto stands that have sprung alongside will be shifted, too. They include those at Ajoynagar and Kadapara crossings," said an officer.The survey covered points where buses stop near intersections and where boarding and alighting spill on to carriageways. Officers assessed traffic flow, pedestrian movement, turning patterns, and the distance between bus stops and crossings. The exercise is part of a plan to move selected bus stands away from junction mouths so that vehicles can clear signals and crossings can remain open.EM Bypass carries traffic between south and north Kolkata and links hospitals, residential areas, markets, and connector roads. Bus stoppages near crossings often lead to lane blockages, slow vehicle movement, and crowding on service lanes and footpaths. Police said the survey aimed to identify locations where a shift in bus stand position could ease pressure on intersections without affecting access for passengers.The proposal from IIT Kharagpur was taken up as part of efforts to improve traffic management on the stretch. During the survey, officials marked bus stand locations, measured available road space, and reviewed how buses enter and leave stops. Inputs from the field visit will be used to prepare a list of sites where relocation can be considered.Police said the next step is to examine the survey findings and work out site-specific plans.