2 hrs ago
Kolkata Civic Body Sets October 5 Road Repair Target
Kolkata’s roads have been damaged, especially after repeated rain.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation, or KMC, wants to finish repairs by October 5.
It had previously aimed to finish by September 30.
Some repaired areas broke down again because of the rain.
Engineers said the new deadline could be difficult to meet.
They said the roads need several dry days for the repairs to last.
The KMC has divided the city into five zones to organize the work.
It has also sent 13 vehicles to fix smaller potholes.
Residents can call or message the KMC to report road problems.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation moved its road-repair deadline from September 30 to October 5.
Repeated rain damaged repairs on several stretches, including parts of EM Bypass.
Road engineers warned that completing repairs by October 5 may be unrealistic without sustained dry weather.
The civic body divided Kolkata into five zones and deployed 13 pothole-repair vehicles.
Residents can report damaged roads and other civic issues through phone, toll-free, call-centre and WhatsApp services.
- Who
- The Kolkata Municipal Corporation, municipal commissioner Smita Pandey, road engineers and residents are involved.
- What
- The civic body set October 5 as its new road-repair target and launched helplines for complaints.
- Where
- Across Kolkata, including EM Bypass, Alipore Road, Burdwan Road, Gurusaday Road, Circular Garden Reach Road, Diamond Harbour Road and Central Avenue.
- When
- The new target was announced on Thursday; the earlier target was September 30, while an October 10 deadline had also been set.
- Why
- Repeated rain damaged earlier repairs, prompting the revised schedule and expanded complaint and repair arrangements.
KMC Position
Engineers’ Concerns
Feasibility of the October 5 target
KMC Position
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation says it has set October 5 as the completion target and is coordinating repairs through five zones, inspections and repair vehicles.
Engineers’ Concerns
Road engineers said the deadline may be ambitious and difficult to meet.
Conditions needed for lasting repairs
KMC Position
The KMC said roads are being repaired at night when it is not raining and has prioritized several damaged stretches.
Engineers’ Concerns
Engineers said a sustained dry spell is needed for bituminous hot-mix repairs to hold, after rain washed away repairs in some areas.
Expected durability
KMC Position
Urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul said repaired stretches should last five years because public money is being used.
Engineers’ Concerns
The reports do not state whether engineers believe the five-year durability goal can be achieved.
Key facts
- New repair deadline
- October 5
- Earlier KMC deadline
- September 30
- Other stated deadline
- October 10, set by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari
- Repair zones
- Five zones under five senior officers
- Pothole-repair vehicles
- 13
- Integrated control room
- 033-2286 1212, 1313 and 1414
- Toll-free number
- 1800 3453375
- WhatsApp number
- 8335999111
Quotes
Agnimitra Paul
Urban development and municipal affairs minister
“I inspected EM Bypass on Thursday. In several stretches, the repaired spots have worn off following the rain. We have now set a target to complete the repairs by October 5.”
telegraphindia.com
“We will have to ensure that the repaired stretches last for five years. This is the public’s money. So you can’t play around”
telegraphindia.com
A senior road official
Municipal road engineer commenting on the repair deadline
“To think that repairs can be wrapped up within October 5 may be slightly ambitious,”
telegraphindia.com










