Several motorists on Saturday complained of inadequate signages informing about road closures and diversion in the wake of closure of a stretch of Vivekananda Road following the launch of the second phase of demolition of the Vivekananda Road flyover.
Police were present at some key intersections to redirect vehicles. Some crossings had signages too. But motorists said they were not forewarned and were left with little option but to take meandering routes having arrived at some of the junctions where roads were either closed or traffic diverted.
Howrah bridge
Motorists headed for Posta after coming down the Howrah bridge said they were suddenly greeted with No Entry signages after entering Malapara.
On reaching the intersection of KK Tagore Street and Maharshi Debendra Road, many small car owners said they could not spot any signages saying the Vivekananda Road was shut. “Where are the signages?” asked Apurba Pal, a resident of Shyambazar.
Many motorists said the Howrah bridge had only one board saying buses and minibuses would have to move down MG Road. That has been on display since the first phase of demolition at Posta. “If there are enough signages on the Howrah bridge small cars and vehicles can head straight towards Brabourne Road,” Pal said.
Strand Road
Strand Road leading straight to Posta remains a preferred route for many motorists headed towards north Calcutta. Many drivers said the stretch from Farilie Place had no signage informing motorists that Vivekananda Road was shut. There are some banners but they are closer to the diversion points. “It always helps if one knows well in advance that some stretches are closed,” said Dipak Agarwal, a shop owner on Strand Road.
Police speak
Senior police officers said they had put up banners and stickers at several junctions on KK Tagore Street, Vivekananda Road, Posta, Rabindra Sarani, Strand Road North and other smaller roads.
But since Saturday was just the second day of diversion many were not used to the new routes. “By next week it will be easier...,” said a senior police officer.