Route and Districts
National Highway 117, a significant route within West Bengal, spans approximately 137 kilometers, linking the bustling city of Kolkata with the serene
coastal town of Bakkhali in South 24 Parganas. Its entire length is contained within the state, traversing three key districts: Howrah, Kolkata, and South 24 Parganas. This highway is not a single, continuous stretch but rather an amalgamation of two prominent arterial roads: the Kona Expressway and the Diamond Harbour Road, unified under the NH 117 designation. The journey begins near Nibra in Howrah, where it connects with NH 6, and culminates at Bakkhali, a popular beach destination on the Bay of Bengal. This strategic alignment makes NH 117 a critical conduit for both daily commuters and the broader economic development of the region, facilitating movement between urban employment hubs, industrial zones, and vital coastal tourist areas.
Segmented Journey: Howrah
The initial stretch of NH 117, covering approximately 7.16 kilometers within the Howrah district, is marked by exceptionally high traffic density. This segment primarily encompasses the Kona Expressway, passing through areas like Kona and Santragachi. Santragachi, in particular, poses a significant challenge due to its status as a major railway junction. The convergence of buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and heavy freight trucks creates perpetual congestion, a daily frustration for commuters. The infrastructure in this part of the highway, originally designed for lower volumes, now struggles to cope with the daily influx of over a lakh vehicles, highlighting the urgent need for the ongoing upgrades.
Segmented Journey: Kolkata
The highway's passage through Kolkata spans a relatively short distance of about 4.1 kilometers, from kilometer 7.16 to 11.36. This section is characterized by its direct impact on densely populated residential neighborhoods in South Kolkata, including Alipore, Majerhat, Taratala, Behala, and Thakurpukur. For the residents of these areas, NH 117 functions less like a highway and more as an essential daily commute route, connecting them to their workplaces and the city's amenities. The high population density in these localities contributes to the consistent traffic flow, making this stretch an integral part of the urban transport network.
Segmented Journey: South 24 Parganas
The most extensive portion of NH 117 unfolds across the South 24 Parganas district, stretching from kilometer 11.36 to the highway's endpoint at 137 kilometers. This expansive segment presents a varied landscape, beginning with developing residential areas like Joka and Amtala, which are witnessing a rise in housing projects. Further south, the highway passes through Diamond Harbour and Kulpi, regions with a strong industrial and port presence, underscoring their economic significance. As the route progresses towards the coast, the urban density gradually decreases, leading to towns like Kakdwip and Namkhana before reaching the popular tourist destination of Bakkhali. Notably, the road narrows to a two-lane configuration in these southern parts, offering a distinctly different driving experience compared to the more developed northern stretches.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Significant infrastructural improvements are underway for NH 117, primarily focusing on alleviating congestion, especially along the Kona Expressway. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sanctioned a substantial project: a 7.2-kilometer elevated six-lane highway to be constructed above the existing Kona Expressway. This ambitious plan, awarded to RVNL for Rs. 839.40 crore with a 2026 deadline, aims to create a layered traffic management system. The vision is to transform the current surface road into a 10-lane corridor, with the elevated section dedicated to long-distance transit and the upgraded surface lanes catering to local traffic. This dual-level approach, proven in other congested urban areas, promises to revolutionize traffic flow. Furthermore, a proposed 200-kilometer ring road by SVBTC, with a projected cost of Rs. 4,000 crore, includes Amtala on NH 117 as a key connection point, potentially linking Howrah, Kolkata, and both North and South 24 Parganas into a cohesive network.
Toll and Real Estate Impact
NH 117 features a single toll plaza located at Namkhana, situated at the 114.43-kilometer mark from its starting point in Nibra. The toll rates, revised in April 2023, vary based on vehicle type, with options for single journey, return journey, and monthly passes. Notably, vehicles registered within the district of the toll plaza benefit from reduced rates. The highway's development also has a varied impact on the real estate market. Areas along the Kona Expressway, such as Santragachi, Behala, and Thakurpukur, have experienced sustained housing demand due to their proximity to Kolkata's commercial centers. The upcoming elevated highway is expected to further boost the attractiveness of these localities. The stretch from Joka to Amtala is emerging as an affordable segment with larger housing options, poised to gain more buyer interest as connectivity improves and the proposed ring road enhances accessibility. Beyond Diamond Harbour, the real estate market is predominantly driven by industrial and logistics operations related to port activities, rather than residential preferences.
