Kolkata, 05 January (H.S.) :

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday laid the foundation stone of the proposed Gangasagar Bridge over the Muriganga river, a landmark infrastructure project expected to provide permanent road connectivity to Sagar Island, the site of the annual Gangasagar Mela.

The nearly 5-kilometre-long, four-lane bridge will be built at an estimated cost of ₹1,670 crore and will connect Kakdwip with Sagar Island, located at the confluence of the Hooghly river and the Bay of Bengal. Once completed, the bridge will enable all-weather road access to the island, significantly easing travel for residents and pilgrims alike.

Sagar Island, in South 24 Parganas district, attracts millions of devotees from across the country every year during Makar Sankranti on January 14, when pilgrims take a holy dip at the Gangasagar confluence and offer prayers at the Kapil Muni Temple. At present, ferry services are the only means of reaching the island, which often become congested or disrupted during the mela due to heavy crowds and tidal conditions.

During the foundation-laying ceremony, project-related documents were formally exchanged between the West Bengal government and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited in the presence of the Chief Minister. The construction contract for the bridge has been awarded to L&T.

Officials said the project is expected to be completed within two years. The Gangasagar Bridge is anticipated to not only facilitate smoother travel for pilgrims but also accelerate overall development in the region by improving connectivity and boosting economic activity.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh