Vidyasagar Bridge Setu: traffic restrictions expected for 8-months as renovation plan begins | Read Full news

**Vidyasagar Bridge Repair: Traffic Disruption Ahead**

The iconic Vidyasagar Bridge, also known as the second Hooghly Bridge, connecting Kolkata to Howrah, is set to undergo extensive repair work starting in November. The state government is planning to enforce traffic restrictions on the bridge for an estimated period of eight months to a year after the Durgapuja festival.

Sources from the state secretariat reveal that the renovation of the nation's largest cable-stayed bridge is essential due to its deteriorating condition. The deterioration is such that if immediate repairs aren't carried out, the bridge's safety could be compromised. Experts have suggested a full closure during repair work, but this isn't feasible. Thus, the state government is opting to restrict traffic on the bridge during the repair period.

Constructed in 1992, the Vidyasagar Setu spans 823 meters and is supported by 152 cables. A preliminary survey has indicated that around 14 of these cables are in a critical state, and further assessments are ongoing. The number of cables requiring replacement could potentially rise. Repairing one side of the bridge is expected to take approximately four months, which suggests that the overall project might extend from eight months to a year to ensure the bridge's safety and structural integrity.