The Banaras Bridge (built in 1904) and Chandmari Bridge (built in 1933) in Howrah have long surpassed their operational lifespans. Due to visible structural decay, these vital links are currently under strict technical surveillance. Eastern Railway has undertaken the reconstruction of both bridges using its internal funds, with ₹70.69 crore allocated for the Banaras Bridge and ₹173.94 crore for the Chandmari Bridge.

While the Railway has successfully completed the core construction within its jurisdiction, the project is now stalled at the final stage. The construction of connecting road approaches, which lie outside the railway boundary, requires formal administrative clearance for traffic control from state authorities. Despite multiple written requests and meetings held between April and November 2025, the necessary permissions from the state administration are still pending.

Railway officials warn that any further delay in completing the road approaches could jeopardize pedestrian safety and potentially disrupt the movement of suburban and long-distance trains from Howrah Station. Refuting claims that a total traffic block is hindering progress, the Railways clarified that they are fully mobilized and prepared to finish the remaining work as soon as the state grants the required approvals. The safety of thousands of commuters now depends on a swift administrative decision.