The Kolkata Municipal Corporation will go on war footing to complete road repair works before Durga Puja while the road on EM Bypass stretch will be repaired by KMDA since the agency, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL), that was carrying out construction works of the metro corridor on that stretch, allegedly dodged responsibility in repairing the road, claimed the urban development and municipal affairs minister, Firhad Hakim.

Several roads in the city continue to remain in a dangerous condition with potholes and craters, putting the lives of pedestrians and vehicle drivers at great peril. It may be mentioned that the state government had already instructed KMC to carry out road repairs in the city regardless of which road it is and whether it falls under the KMC’s jurisdiction.

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The chief minister Mamata Banerjee, had given clear instructions that KMC must repair the roads and then settle the bill with the concerned agencies responsible for the maintenance of those roads. The decision was taken after it was observed that agencies were pushing the ball into each other’s court when it came to repair work. Roads such as EM Bypass, Taratala Road, Park Circus connector, etc. are some of the roads which needs repairs.

At the sideline of the KMC monthly meeting, Mr Hakim, who is also the KMC mayor, said: “We will soon take up road repair works in some of the major roads in the city where top layer of the road has withered away. We want to complete the work before puja, this year. We will use cold mix for the repair work since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked us to refrain from using mastic in the work.”

Hakim alleged: “The RVNL was carrying out works relating to the construction of the metro corridor. They were supposed to carry out the repair works of the roads that were dug by them. They have, however, dodged that responsibility. The Kolkata Metropolitan Developement Authority (KMDA) will now carry out the repair works.”

Mr Hakim added: “Instructions have been given out to put up the name of the contractor, carrying out repair works, on a signboard at the working site. If the instructions are not followed, appropriate action will be taken.”