Travelers now can enjoy good connectivity with the Kona Expressway. It is a part of National Highway 12 which connects to National Highway 14 at Kona. Kona Expressway connects two major cities of West Bengal, Kolkata and Howrah.
Since construction, the expressway has boosted real estate prices and demand in the surrounding areas and also given better connectivity options to the twin cities.
In this article, we will learn how the Kona Expressway became an important way to enter Kolkata.
Kona Expressway Overview
- Length: 14.17 km
- Lanes: 4
- Starting Point: Vidyasagar Setu Toll
- Ending Point: NH 16, Nibra, Kona
- Completion Year: 2001
About Kona Expressway
The Kona Expressway (a part of NH 12, not to be confused with the Kona Highroad or NH 117) is a 14.17 km (8.80 mi) long, grade-separated, toll expressway in the suburban area of Kolkata. It is composed of two service lanes and four turning lanes. State of West Bengal This is one of the biggest things about Kolkata. By November 2022, there will be more than 70,000 vehicles on the road every day. This road connects Kona Vidyasagar Setu near Nibra to National Highway 16 (NH 16), which leads to Kolkata. Kona Expressway is Part of the NH 12.
Kona Expressway Route
Kona Expressway is under the Howrah Municipal Corporation and is entirely in the Howrah district. The road was opened in 2001. Kona Expressway is one of the three main routes to reach Kolkata, hence it is important. The route passes through Carey Road, which is connected to Howrah, and Andul Road, parallel to the Kona Expressway. The Drainage Canal Road at Belepole connects to the Kona Expressway, an important thoroughfare to the Howrah Maidan and the Howrah-Amta Road. Moreover, this route is important connectivity to Santragachi, Jagacha, Gorfa, Belepol, and many other places.
The route passes through two major inter-city railway stations: Santragachi Junction railway station at Santragachi and Shalimar railway station near Vidyasagar Setu toll center. Santragachi Junction is the third largest station in the Kolkata Metropolitan Region. There is also Santragachi Bus Terminus, which is an inter-city bus terminus for Kolkata and long-distance buses. Kona Expressway serves Barasat-Newtown-Santragachi, Barasat-Ultadanga-Santragachi, KB15 (Santragachi-Anandpur), EB1A (up to Belgharia), VS12 (up to New Town), K11 (Domjur – Ravindra Sadan), 26 buses. Mini (Unsani – Esplanade), C11 (Domjur – BBD Bagh/Belgachia), E6 (Amta – Esplanade), E7 (Bagnan – Esplanade) etc.
Kona Expressway New Stretch
The National Highway Authority of India has decided to build a 7.2 km long superhighway on the Kona Expressway. This six-lane residential highway is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Building the new superhighway will cost approximately Rs 720 crore.
NHAI has taken this initiative to reduce traffic jams on the expressway. Some of the important places connected to the Kona Expressway include Shibpur, Carey Road Junction, Santragachi Railway Station, Santragachi Bus Terminal, and Canal Side Road.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has got the contract to build a new super highway. NHAI has ordered RVNL to complete the new superhighway under construction on the Kona Expressway in 30 months.
The superhighway connects NH16 at Nibra in the west to Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge) in the east.
Kona Expressway Specifications
Medical Locations: There are several medical centers on the expressway, such as Kona Lions Medical Center and CureWell Medical Center, which provide advanced medical care for travelers who encounter health issues during the trip.
Fuel Stations: There are several fuel stations including Aparna Energy Station, Kona Filling Station, and Indian Oil Petrol Pump along the Kona Expressway route to help travelers fill their vehicle’s tank with fuel as and when required.
Traffic control: The expressway has police stations and traffic guards. Ramrajatala police post and Kona traffic guard are two big authorities.
Hotels and Tourism: There are many famous hotels and resorts on the expressway to suit the needs of travelers. Prominent locations include Lake Land Country Club, Fortune Park Panchvati, and FabExpress Vineeta Welcome.
Food Outlets: There are many food stores on the road that serve delicious food. Garden View, La Donna, and Mughal Empire are some of the prominent restaurants. Keep reading to get a list of different restaurants, along with their addresses and ratings.
Conclusion
We hope you got detailed information about the Kona Expressway in West Bengal. It is a road network that provides better connectivity benefits to those living in the city and surrounding areas. It is expected to reach the top-level perception of becoming a successful infrastructure in the development of Kolkata city.