Students block NH-19 in Bardhaman demanding flyover to avoid 1.5 km daily detour

School students staged a road blockade on National Highway 19 in Bardhaman’s Nala–Metiali DVC More area on Tuesday morning, demanding the construction of a flyover or underpass. The protest began around school hours, with dozens of students in uniform carrying placards and sitting on the road, halting traffic movement in both directions for nearly three hours. The location falls under the Belkash Gram Panchayat in Bardhaman-1 block.

The students said that due to the absence of a flyover or underpass, they are forced to take a 1.5-kilometre-long detour every day to reach their school. They said this often leads to delays and poses difficulty during daily commute. As the demonstration continued, local residents joined the protest and expressed support. They said that children have to cross the highway daily, and the lack of a safe passage increases the risk during school hours.

After receiving information, Bardhaman police, Bardhaman-1 Block Development Officer Rajneesh Yadav, and representatives of the National Highways Authority reached the spot. The officials spoke with the students and locals. Following the discussion, the road was cleared and normal traffic resumed.