E.M. Bypass

EM Bypass with under-construction ramp of Parama Island Flyover

The Eastern Metropolitan Bypass (Bengali: ইস্টার্ন মেট্রোপলিটান বাইপাস); or simply E.M. Bypass, is a major road on the east side of Kolkata that connects Bidhannagar on the northeast to southern parts (Rajpur Sonarpur) of Kolkata. It was designed like a bypass or beltway on the eastern side of Kolkata to lessen the perennial traffic congestion on the entire stretch of Gariahat Road. Subsequent to the construction of this road, several connectors have been built to connect Gariahat Road to the EM Bypass to deviate traffic away from the Gariahat Road. This, along with moving significant parts of public and private offices to Bidhannagar is deemed necessary to maintain the future growth of Kolkata.

View of Science city from E.M. Bypass on a rainy day

Starting from the northern hub of Ultadanga to Kamalgazi, Rajpur Sonarpur in the south, the road runs a distance of 21 km along the eastern rim of the city and is one of the most important roads of the metropolis, and can be described as one of its economic lifelines. Plans are currently underway to extend the road to the Falta Export Processing Zone (FEPZ) at Falta on the Hooghly River.

Connectors and overpasses

E M Bypass at Patuli Crossing

A number of 'connectors' or connecting roads link the bypass to major hubs of the city all along its route. From north to south, these are

The most important among them are the Park Circus connector and Rash Behari connector. The former can be taken to commute to Howrah, which is a prime transport hub of the metropolis. The connector meets the bypass at a junction where a major landmark, the Science City, is located. The latter connects to Gariahat, a prime market and shopping area of the city. It meets the bypass at the Ruby Hospital. Landmarks and institutions like these dot both the sides of the bypass, and have become the sign of the newly resurgent Kolkata economy. The Gateway Hotels & Resorts is on the Bypass (opposite to Ruby Hospital). The Acropolis mall cum commercial building is coming up on this major connector.The Ruby crossing is known as the New Dalhousie of kolkata.

Some prominent flyovers (overpasses) facilitate quicker flow of traffic along the bypass. One is Chingrighata flyover connecting Salt Lake, Sector V and Rajarhat (New Town). In January 2011, the Ultadanga flyover connecting VIP road was opened for public. This flyover bypasses the traffic-dense Ultadanga crossing for a quicker access to the airport from south through VIP Road.

Plans

Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is currently building a 40-metre bridge across the Guniagachha canal and the existing road from the Bypass to Jora Bridge along New Horizon School and Santoshpur stadium is being widened and strengthened to carry more traffic.

The Bypass is undergoing a major expansion, under the JnNURM. The road, presently with four lanes, is being expanded to accommodate eight lanes of traffic, of which four are to be reservlaces, and therefore the expansion is creating issues for residents. Moreover, there are concerns regarding the drainage. This, added with the construction of the overhead Metro Railway lines and a number of flyovers has taken its toll on the road, which is even more evident during monsoon. However, repairs work is done in parts, although service roads, especially in the southern parts are in pretty bad shape. This poses problems for commuters, often causing traffic snarls.

A long flyover is being constructed near Parama Island which will run along the Park Circus Connector, connecting EM Bypass with Park Circus.[1] However, the flyover will virtually help in making a seamless, no signal traffic corridor from EM Bypass to Alipore. The flyover is stated to be connected with the existing AJC Bose Road Flyover.

Construction of another connector from Padmapukur, Baruipur to Kamalgazi, Rajpur Sonarpur is in full swing.[2]

Landmarks

Science City
ITC Sonar facade

Some of the major landmarks located on this stretch of road are:

The road is also the gateway to the IT hub of the city at Sector V, Salt Lake, and the newly developing planned township of Rajarhat.

Residential complexes

E.M Bypass has seen a massive real estate surge and is one of the most sought after areas in Kolkata. The area has several apartment complexes on its stretch. The first to come up was Udayan near Santoshpur on private-public partnership. It has about 700 flats for High Income Group (HIG) and 700 more for middle and low income groups. Two more complexes - Hiland Park and Kolkata Greens have come up nearby.

Recently three more complexes have come up near the Anwar Shah connector. They are Abhishikta, Ruchira Residency and Greenwood Nook. Up north near the ITC Sonar hotel, the Silver Spring apartment complex was built. Further north, there are the Mani Karan apartments opposite Salt lake stadium.

Residential complexes like PS-Srijan Ozone are being built up at Kamalgazi.

Shopping malls

Mani Square
Silver Arcade

There are several shopping malls on E.M.Bypass. On the north end near Apollo Hospital, the Mani Square Mall has come up in 2008. Its anchor stores are Westside and Spencers'. It has a McDonalds joint and an IMAX multiplex. The City Center shopping complex in Salt Lake is also close to the E. M. Bypass.

The Silver Arcade near the Silver Springs apartment complex has several good restaurants.

Adjacent to the Udayan residential complex, the Unnayan shopping plaza is quite popular for its restaurants, snack joints, grocery store, liquor stores, bar, Internet cafes and other stores. A similar shopping plaza, Abhisar has come up near the Anwar Shah crossing and it houses Spencers'.

Towards south, adjacent to Hiland Park complex is the Metropolis shopping mall. It houses Fame movie multiplex. Its anchor store is Big Bazaar.

References

  1. ↑ "Flyover from Parama to Park Circus" (PDF). KMDA. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
  2. ↑ "EM Bypass Connector from Padmapukur to Kamalgazi" (PDF). KMDA. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
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