Howrah Bridge to remain shut tomorrow night for health and maintenance check

The Kolkata Police has issued a notification regarding a full overnight closure of Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge) on the night of November 16, 2024, for a comprehensive health check-up. This inspection, undertaken by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, aims to ensure public safety and bridge maintenance.

According to the notification from Manoj Kumar Verma, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 11:30 PM on November 16 to 4:30 AM on November 17. To manage traffic during this period, Kolkata Police has set up a detailed diversion plan to reroute vehicles, ensuring minimal disruption to commuters.

Diversion Plan Details:

The following diversions will be in effect from 11:30 PM on November 16 to 4:30 AM on November 17:

1. Northbound Strand Road Traffic - Vehicles traveling northbound on Strand Road will be rerouted near M.G. Road and Strand Road Crossing, passing under the Brabourne Road Flyover towards Posta, Central Avenue, and onward to Nivedita Setu.

2. Southbound Central Avenue Traffic - Vehicles moving south along Central Avenue will be directed further south from M.G. Road and Central Avenue Crossing to reach Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge).

3. Southbound Brabourne Road Traffic - Vehicles along Brabourne Road will be diverted via Woodmount Street to Strand Road (southbound) and directed towards Vidyasagar Setu.

4. Traffic from Howrah Bridge (East Kolkata) - Vehicles entering Kolkata from the bridge's eastern side will be rerouted towards Vidyasagar Setu.

5. Traffic from North Howrah via HIT Bridge - Vehicles from North Howrah taking HIT Bridge will be diverted from 27A Point towards the Second Hooghly Bridge through R.B. Setu, DM Bungalow, Burn Standard Co., Foreshore Road, and Kazipara crossing.

6. Traffic from West and South Howrah - Vehicles from these regions will also be directed towards the Second Hooghly Bridge via a similar route from 27A Point, crossing R.B. Setu, DM Bungalow, Burn Standard Co., Foreshore Road, and Kazipara crossing.

7. Alternative Routes via Bally Bridge - West and South Howrah traffic may also use the route from 27A Point towards Bally Bridge through HIT Bridge, Golabari PS crossing, Pilkhana, and GT Road.

The Kolkata Police encourages commuters to follow the diversion plan to reduce traffic congestion and ensure a smooth flow of vehicles around the restricted area. The temporary rerouting is crucial for the essential maintenance and inspection of the Rabindra Setu, which serves as a vital link between Kolkata and Howrah.

The diversion will be in effect only during the specified hours, and normal traffic flow will resume on the morning of November 17.