Salt Lake is set to receive extensive road repairs after the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs department sanctioned Rs 513.9 million (mn) for patching and resurfacing works, aiming to eliminate widespread craters ahead of the Durga Puja. The sanction follows assessments of deteriorating stretches across the Bidhannagar area. The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has received allocations and begun preliminary mobilisation for the contracts.

Several work orders have been issued and some repair operations have already commenced, while contractors are expected to begin other assigned stretches in the coming days. Multiple tenders remain active as officials seek competitive quotes and detailed project reports for additional corridors are pending with the department. Sources in the civic body indicated that further sanctions may be processed once the outstanding DPRs are approved. Officials said contract supervision would include regular inspections and progress monitoring to improve durability.

Residents said they had not experienced crater-free streets for more than six years despite repeated patch works that failed to last. They attributed recurrent deterioration to delayed payments for prior contracts, with primary contractors reportedly declining new assignments until arrears were settled. Officials acknowledged past funding constraints under the previous board but said fresh allocations would allow comprehensive resurfacing on priority roads. Resident representatives welcomed the allocation but urged sustained maintenance after resurfacing.

Officials are targeting completion of major stretches by the Durga Puja days but noted progress will hinge on weather conditions and contractor availability. The plan provides for interim measures to keep roads usable during the festival, followed by thorough repairs after the celebrations if conditions permit. Civic engineers will prioritise high-traffic stretches and junctions when scheduling works. The BMC commissioner declined to comment, citing a government order restricting officials from speaking to the media.