The West Bengal government is planning to build a ring road around Kolkata and a flyover linking the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass with the satellite township of Rajarhat-New Town, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said on Friday. The proposed projects are part of the state government's efforts to strengthen urban infrastructure, improve connectivity and support business growth.
Flyover to link EM Bypass, New Town
Addressing a business conclave titled 'Uttaran 2026 Bangla', Paul said the proposed flyover would connect the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass to Rajarhat-New Town, helping ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity. She added that a ring road around Kolkata was also being planned. The Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, or EM Bypass, is a 32-km major arterial highway running along the eastern edge of Kolkata. It connects Ultadanga in the north to Baruipur in the south and provides links to Salt Lake, New Town and the Information Technology hub of Sector 5. "We are planning new flyovers like one that will link EM Bypass to Rajarhat-New Town and a ring road. These are part of improving infrastructure which will ease movement and will boost investment," Paul said. The minister, however, did not provide a timeline or investment details for the proposed projects.
Urban infrastructure push
Paul said the government was seeking to improve urban infrastructure through better roads, drainage systems, drinking water supply mechanisms and civic services, stressing that these were essential for promoting trade and attracting investment. She said the government's approach was based on "minimum intervention, maximum service", with efforts underway to simplify administrative processes for businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises. The minister said the state had also launched the 'Swachh' mobile application, through which citizens could upload complaints related to waterlogging, illegal parking and the encroachment of roads by construction materials. According to Paul, civic bodies would be required to act on such complaints within a stipulated period.
Mortuaries, crematoria planned
Paul also announced plans to establish mortuary facilities and modern electric crematoria in every district as part of efforts to improve public services across West Bengal. The government is also looking at expanding civic facilities while making municipal services more accessible and responsive to residents.
Renewable energy target for 2030
On sustainability, Paul said the state aimed to significantly increase the use of renewable energy by 2030, including through the installation of solar power systems in municipal and government buildings. She also outlined initiatives for pond restoration, recycling water hyacinth into commercial products and converting flowers collected from temples into incense sticks and coloured powder.
Rs 900 crore flyover proposal
According to officials familiar with the proposal, a high-level meeting was recently held to revive an old plan for an approximately 7-km-long flyover from the EM Bypass Metropolitan area. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 900 crore. However, the proposal is yet to receive final approval from the state government.
Skywalks at Ruby, Dalhousie
Officials said discussions have also been held on constructing skywalks at Ruby, a major crossing on the EM Bypass, and in the central business district of Dalhousie. The proposed skywalks are aimed at improving pedestrian safety while reducing traffic congestion at two of the city's busy locations.