2nd Hooghly Bridge to remain shut for 8 hours on Sunday from 5 am for repair works

Kolkata commuters are set to face significant disruption this weekend as the Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the 2nd Hooghly Bridge, will be completely closed for 8 hours on Sunday, January 18, 2026. According to a notification issued by the Kolkata Traffic Police, the closure will be in effect from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This shutdown is mandatory to facilitate critical renovation and maintenance work, specifically the replacement of stay cables, holding-down cables, and bearings.

The Hooghly River Bridge Commission (HRBC) has been overseeing this massive rehabilitation project, which has been ongoing for over a year. The current phase involves the technical task of replacing high-tension cables and structural bearings to ensure the bridge's long-term stability. While the work is essential for the safety of the iconic structure, the repeated Sunday closures have led to growing frustration among daily travelers and those residing in the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah.

Public sentiment is increasingly strained as the project, which initially aimed for a swift completion, has progressed slower than expected. Commuters have raised concerns that even on Sundays, many people rely on the bridge for reaching hospitals, markets, and weekend shifts in the private sector. The prolonged nature of the repairs, which started in earnest in early 2024, has left many questioning when the "snail-paced" work will finally conclude.

During the 8-hour blockade, all types of vehicular movement will be restricted on the bridge and its ramps. Motorists are advised to use the Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu), Bally Bridge, or Nivedita Setu as alternative routes. Traffic police will be deployed at key diversion points, including AJC Bose Road, Hastings Crossing, and KP Road, to manage the rerouted flow and minimize congestion in the city's arterial lanes.