RVNL gets cop nod for traffic curbs on Bypass to build Beleghata stn FOB

Kolkata: After completing Orange Line's viaduct work at Chingrighata crossing, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) has now received the go-ahead for the foot overbridge (FOB) to link both sides of the nearby Beleghata metro station. Traffic restrictions will be enforced for 45 days from June 1. NoC for partial blockage — middle of E M Bypass at Metropolitan — to set up the FOB is pending for over three years. Several traffic trial runs were conducted in the mean time.After a concrete segment — the FOB's middle support between north and south flanks — is built, RVNL can launch structures on either side and build the FOB to access Beleghata metro station from the eastern side of Bypass.In Aug last year, PM Modi had to flag off the Orange Line's 4.5-km extension from Ruby (Hemanta Mukherjee station) to Metropolitan without this crucial access.TOI reported on April 5, 2025, "Metro station ready but foot overbridge stares at risky road crossing". Two years ago, considering the delay in getting permissions to build the FOB, the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) issued the mandatory safety nod for operations, pointing at the urgent need to build the bridge.Minati Sen, a resident of an apartment in Metropolitan, said, "It is difficult to negotiate speeding cars, especially for the elderly and kids, while crossing Bypass. But we have to since access to the metro station is missing from our side of the road." From May 31, traffic will be controlled on the Science City-bound flank. Cars headed for Ruby will use the Bailey bridge just before the metro station, proceed along the service road, cross Mathpukur and enter Bypass. Cops feel the slip road will be enough to handle the pressure of buses. There is an option for cars passing the stretch during peak hours. "The signal timings will be adjusted, signages put up so that motorists can be diverted through Phoolbagan, CIT Road and Canal Road. Extra personnel will be deployed," said an officer. Vehicles going towards Ultadanga will continue moving normally until work on the Science City-bound flank is over.The Orange Line currently runs 8 km from New Garia to Metropolitan and will eventually link New Garia and the airport across 32 km.