Kolkata: The state Public Works Department (PWD) has installed iron grilles on the sides of the airport-bound flank of VIP Road at different sections from Golaghata to Lake Town, between the service road and the main flank, to fence off the traffic black spots identified and suggested by Bidhannagar Traffic Police. This is to prevent unmanned pedestrian crossings on the high-speed corridor. The PWD officials said permanent fencing on specific sections of the VIP Road was part of the road safety measures, in consultation with the Bidhannagar Traffic Police. “It was noticed that, with no fencing on the sides on these specific stretches, jaywalking occurred, increasing the risk of accidents. These traffic dark spots were identified, and fencing is being done to prevent jaywalking,” said a PWD official.
“Previously, there were a few major accidents on the service road and the main flank. The traffic black spots were identified between Golaghata and Bangur,” said an officer. Earlier, the stretch from Bangur to Dum Dum Park on the airport-bound flank of VIP Road was fenced off when the biodiversity park was set up a few years back.Traffic police officers said cuts had been made for the convenience of commuters so that they could reach the bus stops off the main flank between Golaghata and Bangur from the service road. At Lake Town crossing, the police put up guard rails to curb a pedestrian crossover to enter the subway at the clock tower-end. The PWD has also been working on plans to put up aesthetically designed fencing on the median of the entire VIP Road, connecting Ultadanga with the airport.
