Kolkata plans new ring road, EM Bypass-New Town flyover

The West Bengal government is planning a ring road around Kolkata and a new flyover connecting the Eastern Metropolitan (EM) Bypass with Rajarhat-New Town to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity and support investment, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said on Friday.

Speaking at the Uttaran 2026 Bangla business conclave, Paul said the proposed projects are part of a wider plan to strengthen urban infrastructure and improve the state’s investment climate. She did not specify timelines or investment outlays.

“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,” she said.

The proposed flyover will connect the EM Bypass with Rajarhat-New Town, one of the state’s fastest-growing commercial and residential hubs, reported The Economic Times.

The 32-km EM Bypass is Kolkata’s eastern arterial corridor, connecting Ultadanga in the north with Baruipur in the south. It also provides connectivity to Salt Lake, New Town and the IT hub in Sector V.

Paul said the government was working to upgrade urban infrastructure through better roads, drainage systems, drinking water supply and civic services, which she described as essential for promoting trade and attracting investment.

She said the government’s governance model was based on “minimum intervention, maximum service”, with efforts underway to simplify administrative procedures for businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises.

Highlighting citizen-centric initiatives, Paul said the state had launched the Swachh mobile application, through which residents can report civic issues such as waterlogging, illegal parking and road encroachments caused by construction materials. She said civic authorities would address complaints within a stipulated timeframe.

The minister also announced plans to establish mortuary facilities and modern electric crematoria in every district to improve public services, reported The Economic Times.

On sustainability, Paul said the state plans to significantly expand the use of renewable energy by 2030 by installing solar power systems in municipal and government buildings.

She also outlined plans to restore ponds, recycle water hyacinth into commercial products and convert temple flowers into incense sticks and coloured powder.

According to officials familiar with the proposal, the state recently held a high-level meeting to revive an earlier plan for an approximately 7-km flyover from the Metropolitan area on the EM Bypass.

The project is estimated to cost around Rs 900 crore but is yet to receive final government approval.