Serious damage in Sealdah flyover pillars, repair process to take 12-15 days

After a two-month detailed check-up, experts have warned for Kolkata’s iconic Sealdah Flyover – almost every pillar has been seriously damaged due to years of trapped rainwater. The concrete has swollen with cracks in many places, making the structure risky for more than thousands of vehicles plying across the Sealdah Flyover daily. KMDA says if urgent repair is not done now, a serious accident could happen any day. To prevent that, a full-strengthening project is being rolled out quickly, and most of the work will be done at night to disturb traffic less.

The repair plan is smart and modern. Engineers will wrap every damaged pillar from bottom to top with strong carbon-fibre sheets and steel plates, almost like giving the bridge a protective jacket. A special polymer layer will also be added to stop future water damage. The work will cover the entire stretch from Prachi Cinema to NRS Medical College. Once the five-phase repair is complete (expected in 12-15 days), the 1978-built flyover should safely serve Kolkata for another 40-45 years.

Currently, there are about 350-400 stalls under Sealdah  flyover. To start the repair process, around 50-60 stalls under the flyover will have to be shifted temporarily, and Kolkata Municipal Corporation is arranging alternative places for the shopkeepers. As it is decided that the renovation work will mainly be done at night, KMDA has informed that the final decision on which alternative route will be used, whether the flyover will be completely or partially closed, will be made after discussing with the Kolkata Police Traffic Department. Commuters are requested to cooperate because this repair is being done to keep everyone safe in the long run for the upcoming four to five decades.