School reopening, morning rain hit traffic across Kolkata roads

KOLKATA: The reopening of schools, coupled with the onset of monsoon, led to traffic snarls on Monday morning on several stretches near schools.
Traffic slowed down at Bypass, Park Circus, AJC Bose Road and APC Road in the morning, with certain points, like Salt Lake Bypass witnessing accumulation of water. In the afternoon, school dispersal hit roads in central Kolkata, like Theatre Road, AJC Bose Road and Sarat Bose Road.
An English-medium school that had its first class with the LKG batch added to the pressure on Rawdon Street-Loudon Street-AJC Bose Road during dispersal.
The worst-affected stretches included the Maa flyover and the AJC Bose flyover, along with a portion of Ballygunge Circular Road.
The Kolkata Traffic Police's periodic updates on the traffic situation gave an idea of the situation on ground. "Breakdown of a vehicle on AJC Bose flyover between Camac Street and Ballygunge Circular Road has obstructed the traffic partially towards PTS," read one such alert.
Cops said Monday being the first day of resumption of all schools after summer break - and the rains - led to many parents dropping off their wards in personal cars. "At certain school zones, like Joka and Ballygunge, this added to our challenge," said an officer.
Cops said vehicular movement from Maa flyover to Sector V was slow as water accumulated on the Nicco Park side of Chingrighata bridge.
Police indicated that Tuesday, too, is likely to witness slow traffic movement with most educational institutes and all offices remaining open on the day of Rath Yatra. "We have planned certain diversions if required. School students will remain our priority," said an officer.
Sources said the number of civic volunteers is likely to increase around schools and cops will be deployed 30 minutes before school timings. "If it rains during dispersal, the staggered timings can go for a toss," said an officer.
Police said two schools reopening in the Park Street-Sarat Bose Road area last week saw vehicles slowing down on AJC Bose Road for 20 minutes. "But the traditional choke points near Entally functioned smoothly. On Tuesday, we will ensure these spots on AJC Bose Road remain smooth all day," said an officer.