Vidyasagar Setu to remain shut on August 31 for repairs; Howrah Police announces major traffic diversions

Vehicular movement on Vidyasagar Setu will be completely suspended on Sunday, August 31, between 4 a.m. and 9 p.m. The closure has been scheduled to carry out repair works, which include installation of a steel portal beam and replacement of cables and bearings. Authorities confirmed that no vehicles will be allowed to use the bridge during this period.

Howrah City Police stated in an official release that the temporary closure has been taken up in the interest of public safety. Similar traffic control arrangements were earlier implemented on August 24, when the bridge had been closed for maintenance. The police added that necessary diversions and alternative routes have been identified for smooth traffic movement.

As per the diversion plan, vehicles coming from Kolaghat and Dankuni will not be allowed to access Vidyasagar Setu or Kona Expressway and will instead be diverted through Dhulagari–Nibra–Salap towards Vivekananda Setu. Vehicles travelling from Kolkata to Howrah will also not be permitted on the Second Hooghly Bridge and will have to use either Howrah Bridge or Nivedita Setu. For smaller vehicles, separate routes have been arranged: those heading towards Kolaghat can take Kazi Para–GT Road–Andul Road towards NH-16, while those bound for Dankuni can use Hengsang Crossing–Amta Road–Salap via CCR Bridge–Maitipara, or the Kazi Para–Bali–Zero Point route.

Special traffic arrangements have also been made for Santragachi Station. Vehicles coming from Nibra will be directed through Jagacha–Mahiyari Road, while small vehicles from Kazi Para and Hengsang Crossing will follow separate routes to reach the station. Police have advised commuters to use the specified diversions during the closure period to ensure uninterrupted movement across affected areas.