Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has taken a proactive step in constructing a Bailey bridge over a canal at the Metropolitan crossing on the eastern side of EM Bypass. This is in line with RVNL’s goal to secure a site for two piers, bridging a 125-meter gap in the New Garia-Airport Metro corridor’s viaduct. The bridge will aid pedestrians and two-wheeler riders in crossing the canal, known as Moila Khal.
The Kolkata Police’s traffic department is currently conducting trials to assess vehicular movement on EM Bypass around the 40 m x 16 m barricaded area before RVNL can take possession of the site. The bridge’s construction, which is set to last three months, won’t exacerbate road congestion during Metro construction.
To meet the December deadline for the Metropolitan extension of the New Garia-Airport corridor, RVNL has agreed to construct the bridge, initially intended for vehicular movement. Initially, RVNL planned to construct the final two piers, but the traffic department requested more road space for Garia-bound vehicles.
RVNL had initially declined the proposal for a bridge further south of the Metropolitan crossing, adjacent to the upcoming New Garia-Airport corridor station, due to concerns about the foundation potentially overlapping with already built piers 284 and 285. However, the police insisted on maintaining traffic flow during construction.
In April, the same location had been barricaded after RVNL completed piers 288 and 289. The construction of the remaining two piers (286, 287) was temporarily halted during this period. RVNL remains committed to overcoming logistical challenges and advancing critical infrastructure development.
