The state Public Works Department (PWD) has issued tenders for the 3.3-km Gangasagar Setu bridge across the Muriganga River in South 24 Parganas. Estimated at Rs 1,438 crore, the bridge will connect Kakdwip and Kachuberia on Sagar Island, boosting connectivity, tourism and the local economy.
Sundarbans Affairs Minister Bankim Hazra noted that while the Centre funds the Kumbh Mela, it allocates nothing for the Ganga Sagar Mela, an event that attracts thousands of tourists every year. The project, expected to be completed in 4 years with a 10-year maintenance period, will be fully funded by the state.
Every year, the Ganga Sagar Mela faces transportation issues with overcrowded ferries. The state plans the bridge to alleviate this, aiming to raise the event’s national profile like the Kumbh Mela. Funds have been already allocated for this project in the previous state budget.
