The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has vowed not to repeat the mistakes made while constructing the Dum Dum underpass when it begins construction of the Patipukur underpass.
Work on the muchdelayed project will begin in June near Belgachia to ease traffic chaos on Jessore Road.
KMDA has decided to leave the existing sewerage and drainage systems untouched at Belgachia as these were damaged at Dum Dum. The 20 families, staying in a slum near the site, will be relocated to prevent overcrowding near the Patipukur underpass.
Initially, the Kolkata Improvement Trust was assigned the job of building the underpass at Patipukur and transport minister Subhas Chakraborty laid the foundation in 2001. But the government dilly-dallied and the initial cost of Rs 6 crore has escalated to Rs 19 crore.
"All problems have been sorted out. The tendering process has begun and work will start in June," said a KMDA traffic and transportation sector official. The project will be completed in 18 months.
The underpass will ease traffic on the stretch that connects Shyambazar and Dum Dum railway station at one end with RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and Belgachia metro station at the other.
