Security arrangements along National Highway 16 in Howrah are being significantly tightened after Suvendu Adhikari took charge as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal. From additional traffic police deployment and new CCTV surveillance systems to reinforced guardrails and stricter vehicle control measures, authorities are transforming one of the state’s busiest and most accident-prone highways into a high-security corridor for the Chief Minister’s frequent movement between Kolkata and his residence in Contai.
Senior police officials said the upgraded security measures are aimed at ensuring smooth and risk-free passage for the Chief Minister, who is expected to continue using the same road route he regularly travelled as Leader of the Opposition.
Officials believe that despite his elevation to the state’s top post, Adhikari’s travel pattern is unlikely to change significantly. As a result, district police authorities have decided not to take any chances regarding his security.
Massive Security Upgrade on NH-16 as Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari’s Route Comes Under Watch
National Highway 16, particularly the stretch passing through rural Howrah, has long been considered highly vulnerable due to heavy traffic congestion, multiple crossings, roadside markets and industrial activity.
Areas such as Uluberia, Panchla, Ranihati and Bagnan witness constant pedestrian movement throughout the day because of factories, local marketplaces and densely populated residential zones situated close to the highway.
Police sources said illegal parking of trucks and roadside encroachments often contribute to major accidents on this route. With the Chief Minister now expected to travel through the corridor frequently, authorities have begun a large-scale security overhaul.
According to officials, the 56-kilometre stretch between Dhamsia More in Howrah and Naupala under Bagnan police station will remain under continuous surveillance and heavy police monitoring.
Whenever the Chief Minister travels through the highway, senior police officers will reportedly be stationed at major intersections and vulnerable zones. Civic volunteers and traffic personnel will also be deployed along the roadside to assist in crowd control and traffic regulation.
New CCTV cameras are being installed at strategic points, allowing senior police officers to monitor traffic movement and security situations in real time from control rooms.
Police are also focusing on regulating roadside markets and temporary commercial setups situated close to the highway. Authorities are reportedly considering relocating some busy roadside markets in the future to reduce congestion and improve security preparedness.
The Howrah Rural Police district currently operates three dedicated traffic guard units — Rajapur, Uluberia and Bagnan — all of which have now been instructed to intensify monitoring across NH-16.
Among the most sensitive and accident-prone locations identified by police are Panchla More, Nimdighi, Pirtala in Kulgachia, Bagnan Library More, the Bagnan-Amta Road stretch and Naupala. These densely populated areas will now receive special surveillance and additional traffic management support.
A senior district police officer said that the administration is also coordinating with the National Highways Authority to repair damaged portions of the road to avoid sudden disruptions during VIP movement.
To ensure emergency response readiness, cranes will remain stationed at key points along the route so that damaged or stranded vehicles can be removed quickly in case of accidents or traffic blockades.
Officials say the security revamp is part of a broader plan to make NH-16 safer not only for VIP movement but also for ordinary commuters who use the highway daily.
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