Work on Tolly’s Nullah box bridges to start soon

KOLKATA: The

Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority

(KMDA) is set to start work on two box bridges parallel to Karunamoyee Bridge over Tolly’s Nullah. Engineers at the two sites confirmed that foundationlaying work has started for the retaining walls of the bridges to be built on two sides.

One bridge will connect BL Saha Road, near Diamond City (south), to Canal Bank Road, adjoining

Tollygunge

Club. The other will connect Izzatulla Lane to BL Saha Road near Siriti via K P Ray Lane.

Authorities said the main construction work for the retaining walls along the Canal Bank Road approach for the proposed bridge connecting Izzatulla Lane and B L Saha Road should start within a couple of weeks. The other retaining wall will be set up along NN Ghosh Road near Karunamoyee. The walls are expected to cost Rs 2.08 crore. The cost of the two bridges would be estimated later.

The move is crucial as both Tollygunge and Karunamoyee bridges have been catering to massive traffic since the collapse of the Majerhat bridge. Unlike the

Durgapur

bridge (whose alternative bailey bridge is now operational), both bridges are yet to get an alternative route. Questions over the structural stability of the Karunamoyee bridge has only added to the urgency to chalk out alternative plans.

The Kolkata traffic police had proposed these two bridges in mid-September to decongest Mahabirtala on Tollygunge Circular Road and MG Road-Karunamoyee bridge.

“One of the box bridges across Tolly’s Nullah till KP Ray Lane will open up close to Tollygunge Club and Prince Anwar Shah crossing, allowing vehicles from Behala direct access to DPS Road and Prince Anwar Shah Road Connector. All motorists who are headed to Durgapur bridge can use this road without having to go via

Alipore

Road or Tollygunge Phari,”a senior IPS officer explained.