Kolkata: Airport-bound traffic is facing fresh hurdles on VIP Road as, following a week-long trial run, Metro has started construction of the final two pillars of the New Garia-Airport Orange Line corridor on VIP Road. Officials said they are working under a strict four-month deadline to finish the project and free the VIP Road of barricades and diversions before the India Energy Week celebrations in the city between Jan 28 and Jan 31, 2027.Police said traffic movement on the road to the airport has already slowed down and sought greater cooperation from Metro, including the installation of convex mirrors, pumps to tackle waterlogging, and repairs to some stretches and reflective signage.A Metro Railway official confirmed that piling work for the construction of the two pillars has begun. The official said there is a 597m gap on the stretch. This gap will be bridged when the pillars and the viaduct above them are completed. “The construction of the pillars is scheduled to be completed by early next year,” said a Metro Railway official.The new traffic arrangement came into effect on a trial basis from the evening of Sept 12, with police diverting airport-bound traffic to the Ultadanga-bound flank of VIP Road.As the actual work started last weekend, a 225m stretch of the airport-bound carriageway has been cordoned off, spanning two lanes, while only one 3.5m-wide lane remains open for small vehicles. Two lanes of the Kolkata-bound flank are being used for airport-bound traffic. Barricades have been installed to segregate the diverted lanes, while road diversion signs and caution lights have been put up.“We had taken all necessary precautions, but even then, traffic snarls are piling up, especially during the evening peak hours. Incessant rain is making things difficult for us, even as we have pleaded with the Metro authorities for more cooperation,” said an officer.Traffic police said they have diverted heavy vehicles through the service road to keep the main carriageway relatively free. “We have demanded convex mirrors, suction pumps to drain out logged water from the barricaded portion, immediate repair of a section of the road, and reflective signage and road markings. All these works are still pending even as Metro has started the actual construction work,” said the officer.Cops said they are also keeping a close watch on the situation ahead of Durga Puja, when VIP Road generally witnesses heavy congestion, particularly around Sreebhumi Sporting Club’s puja. The Orange Line, which will connect New Garia with the airport, is being constructed in phases.
