Bengal Police busts Jamtara cyber scam, 46 arrested in statewide crackdown
The Dakshineswar-Ballyghat flank of Vivekananda Setu, also known as Bally Bridge, will be closed to all vehicular traffic for 100 hours, from midnight on January 23 until 4am on January 27. This closure is necessary for the dismantling and replacement of heavily corroded steel girders. The closure will also affect the Ballyghat-Bally Halt Road beneath the bridge, which will be shut for repairs during the same period.
Bally Bridge, a multi-span steel structure completed in 1931, serves as a vital transportation link between Kolkata’s northern and southern parts. Due to extensive corrosion in its steel girders, the bridge's structural integrity has been compromised, prompting the need for immediate maintenance work. Railway officials stated that the corroded girders are being replaced as part of ongoing efforts to preserve the safety and functionality of the bridge.
During the closure, vehicles traveling towards Bally Halt, Mumbai Road, and Delhi Road from the Dulop intersection will be rerouted via Nivedita Setu, located near the Bally Bridge. Nivedita Setu will be accessible for vehicles, and toll charges will be waived for the duration of the closure. In addition, two-wheelers and three-wheelers, which are typically prohibited on Nivedita Setu, will be allowed to use the bridge between 8am on January 23 and 8pm on January 26 without paying toll fees.
The Dakshineswar-Airport flank of the Belgharia Expressway will also be closed for 12 hours, from 8pm on January 23 until 8am on January 24. This closure will allow work to continue on the maintenance of the bridge. Vehicles traveling to the airport from Dakshineswar will be diverted via Dunlop, BT Road, Dum Dum, and Jessore Road during this time.
Eastern Railway has announced a 100-hour traffic and power block starting at midnight on January 22 to carry out the maintenance work on the bridge. As a result, suburban train services on the Sealdah-Dankuni route will be suspended, leading to the cancellation of 22 pairs of suburban trains. The suspension of these services will disrupt commuter traffic, particularly during peak hours, as the route is a major artery for passengers traveling between Sealdah and Dankuni.
To manage the traffic and minimize disruptions, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Barrackpore and Howrah police commissionerates, and the state transport department have coordinated with bus and minibus operators. A detailed diversion plan has been implemented to ensure smoother traffic flow while the necessary maintenance work is completed. These measures are aimed at ensuring the safe and uninterrupted operation of the bridge once the repairs are finished.