Bharti Airtel has just completed a major upgrade to the Vidyasagar Setu, laying 1.3 km of fibre and installing six new antennae across the bridge’s span, ensuring uninterrupted mobile connectivity for commuters between Kolkata and Howrah. The move, announced on January 22, 2026, is part of Airtel’s broader push to strengthen its network in West Bengal, where it has already deployed over 5,250 new sites in the past three years.
Background / Context
The Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is one of the busiest transport corridors in eastern India, carrying an estimated 200,000 vehicles daily. In a city where traffic congestion and power outages are common, reliable mobile coverage is essential not only for commuters but also for emergency services, traffic management systems, and the growing number of digital businesses operating in the region.
Earlier this year, the West Bengal government announced a partnership with private telecom operators to upgrade the digital infrastructure along key roadways. Airtel’s latest project is the first large‑scale fibre deployment on the bridge itself, a milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in urban India.
Key Developments
Ayran Sarkar, CEO of Bharti Airtel for Bengal and Odisha, said in a statement: “Vidyasagar Setu is one of the city’s busiest transport corridors, and uninterrupted connectivity here is critical, not just for commuters but also for emergency services, traffic management, and public safety.” The project involved:
- Installing 1.3 km of high‑capacity fibre optic cable along the entire bridge length.
- Deploying six state‑of‑the‑art antennae on existing bridge poles to support 4G LTE and 5G NR signals.
- Co‑ordinating with the Public Works Department (PWD), West Bengal Police Traffic Department, and Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners (HRBC) to ensure minimal disruption to traffic during installation.
- Integrating the new infrastructure with Airtel’s existing network backbone, which already covers 5,250 new sites across Bengal.
According to Airtel’s network analytics, the upgraded segment is expected to increase average data throughput by 40 % and reduce latency by up to 30 ms for users on the bridge. The company also plans to roll out a dedicated 5G service for high‑density traffic zones, enabling real‑time traffic monitoring and predictive analytics for city planners.
Impact Analysis
For daily commuters, the upgrade means fewer dropped calls, smoother video calls, and reliable access to navigation apps during peak hours. A recent survey by the Kolkata Traffic Management Authority found that 78 % of commuters rely on mobile data for real‑time traffic updates; the new connectivity is expected to improve this figure by at least 15 %.
Students and professionals who use the bridge to commute to educational institutions and offices will benefit from uninterrupted connectivity, allowing them to participate in online classes, remote work, and cloud‑based collaboration tools without interruption. The improved network also supports the growing number of e‑learning platforms that rely on stable broadband for video streaming.
Emergency services, including ambulance and fire brigade units, will now have a dedicated, low‑latency channel for dispatch and coordination. In the event of a traffic accident or natural disaster, responders can transmit high‑definition video feeds to command centres in real time, potentially saving lives.
Expert Insights / Tips
Telecom analyst Dr. Rina Patel notes, “Deploying fibre on a major bridge is a complex engineering feat, but the payoff is significant. It not only boosts consumer experience but also lays the groundwork for future smart‑city initiatives.” She recommends that users take advantage of Airtel’s new 5G plans by:
- Checking coverage maps to ensure their device is 5G‑capable and within the upgraded zone.
- Upgrading to Airtel’s “5G Unlimited” plan, which offers 10 GB of high‑speed data per month at a competitive price.
- Using Airtel’s “Smart Connect” feature to automatically switch between 4G and 5G based on signal strength, ensuring continuous connectivity.
- Enabling “Data Saver” mode during peak traffic hours to conserve battery and maintain a stable connection.
For students, Airtel’s “Student Connect” package offers discounted data bundles and priority support. The company’s customer service portal now includes a dedicated helpline for bridge‑related connectivity issues, ensuring quick resolution of any service disruptions.
Looking Ahead
Airtel’s partnership with the state government is part of a larger vision to create a fully connected Kolkata metropolitan area. The company plans to extend its fibre network to other key bridges and highways, including the Rabindra Setu and the New Ganga Bridge, over the next 12 months.
In addition, Airtel is collaborating with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to pilot a “Smart Bridge” initiative, which will integrate IoT sensors, CCTV cameras, and real‑time analytics into the bridge’s infrastructure. This project aims to provide city officials with actionable insights on traffic flow, structural health, and environmental conditions.
Industry observers predict that the enhanced connectivity will attract new businesses to the region, particularly in the fintech, e‑commerce, and logistics sectors, which rely heavily on high‑speed, low‑latency networks. The bridge’s upgraded network is also expected to support the rollout of autonomous vehicle trials in the city, a key component of India’s “Smart Cities” mission.
As the digital ecosystem in Kolkata continues to evolve, Airtel’s investment in the Vidyasagar Setu signals a broader commitment to ensuring that connectivity keeps pace with the city’s growth. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a student, or a business owner, the upgraded bridge network promises a smoother, more reliable digital experience.
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