The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has initiated the expansion of the Dhalai Bridge near Patuli in a bid to improve traffic flow ahead of the upcoming festive season. The project, which is progressing steadily, involves the construction of a new 21.5-metre span steel composite bridge alongside the existing structure.
According to officials, around 80 per cent of sheet piling has already been completed, with the remaining groundwork scheduled to follow shortly. Despite logistical challenges created by the presence of an existing metro pier within the construction zone, the project team is pressing ahead to ensure timely delivery. The addition of the steel span is expected to significantly ease congestion on one of the city’s key arterial routes.
Once completed, the expansion is projected to cut down traffic signal delays by approximately 20 seconds per cycle during peak hours. While this may appear modest, transport experts highlight that such savings translate into smoother traffic management and reduced travel times for thousands of daily commuters. The bridge’s improved capacity will be particularly crucial during the high-volume festive period, when Kolkata typically experiences a surge in vehicle movement.
The use of a steel composite design underscores the importance of steel infrastructure in modern urban mobility solutions. The material provides both durability and flexibility, allowing construction within constrained spaces while ensuring long-term resilience against heavy usage.
This development is being viewed as part of the broader efforts to modernise Kolkata’s Road infrastructure and adapt it to the demands of a growing urban population. For residents and visitors alike, the upgraded bridge promises greater convenience, improved safety, and reduced congestion in one of the busiest parts of the city.
