Travel Time to AIIMS Kalyani to Drop to 45 Minutes

The 44.2-kilometre Kalyani Expressway is set to open on March 2, ahead of Holi, drastically reducing travel time between Kolkata and AIIMS Kalyani. Currently, the journey takes nearly two-and-a-half hours, but commuters can expect to reach their destination in about 45 minutes once the corridor becomes operational.

The upgraded expressway forms a key part of West Bengal’s infrastructure push, aiming to improve urban connectivity, ease traffic bottlenecks, and enhance airport access. It is considered one of the state’s largest road projects in recent years, executed at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore by the Public Works Department (PWD).

Official Statement on Corridor Benefits

“The upgraded Kalyani Expressway, featuring 21 signal-free flyovers and a 1.3-km elevated link to the airport-bound Belgharia Expressway, is likely to open on March 2. This corridor will drastically reduce travel time between Kolkata and AIIMS Kalyani,” an official said.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the expressway virtually during the “Dol Yatra and Holi Milan Utsav” at Netaji Indoor Stadium. Government sources describe the expressway as a major Holi gift to the people of Bengal. The corridor is expected to provide uninterrupted north-bound traffic flow and significantly improve the overall commuting experience.

Key Structures Along the Expressway

The corridor includes 21 signal-free flyovers spanning nearly 24 km, seven major underpasses, six light-vehicle underpasses, and six pedestrian underpasses. Additionally, the expressway features 70 culverts, five public toilets, one truck lay-by, and 56 passenger waiting shelters.

A notable feature of the project is the 1.3-km elevated link at Zero Point junction in North Dum Dum, connecting directly with the Belgharia Expressway. According to PWD engineers, this elevated stretch eliminates congestion at a busy intersection and ensures seamless movement toward Dakshineswar and the airport.

Reduced Travel Time and Broader Connectivity

Commuters traveling from the Belgharia Expressway–Kalyani Expressway junction to Bara Jagulia via Kanchrapara’s Kampa More can complete the journey in approximately 40 minutes without traffic signal interruptions. The upgraded expressway is expected to ease congestion in Barasat while improving airport access for residents of Nadia, Howrah, Hooghly, and Burdwan districts.

The fully operational corridor is a significant step toward modernising transport in West Bengal, demonstrating the state government’s commitment to efficient urban mobility. The combination of flyovers, underpasses, and an elevated stretch ensures that the corridor can handle high traffic volumes while maintaining smooth transit.

Officials are confident that the expressway will not only enhance travel efficiency but also reduce road accidents, improve fuel efficiency for vehicles, and contribute to better urban planning by diverting traffic away from congested areas. With its imminent opening, the Kalyani Expressway is poised to become a crucial artery for commuters and transporters alike, shaping the future of road travel in the region.