Sagar Island Bridge Project Launched in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone of a 5-km-long bridge over the Muriganga river to connect Sagar Island with the mainland. The project marks a significant infrastructure push in the Sundarbans region and is expected to transform connectivity for residents, pilgrims, and tourists visiting the island.

Key Features of the Bridge Project

The four-lane bridge will connect Lot 8 in Kakdwip with Kachuberia on Sagar Island. Estimated at a cost of ₹1,670 crore, the project has been awarded to Larsen & Toubro. The Chief Minister stated that construction is expected to be completed within two to three years. Once operational, the bridge will replace the existing dependence on ferry services across the Muriganga river.

Boost to Gangasagar Mela and Local Economy

Sagar Island is the largest island in the Sundarbans archipelago and hosts the annual Gangasagar Mela during Makar Sankranti. The island is believed to be the point where the Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal, near the Kapil Muni Temple. Lakhs of pilgrims visit the island each year to take a holy dip. The bridge is expected to significantly ease travel, improve crowd management during the mela, and provide a boost to trade, tourism, and local commerce.

Infrastructure Development in Sundarbans

The Chief Minister highlighted that since 2011, her government has constructed 37 small, medium, and large bridges in South 24 Parganas. Improved connectivity to Bakkhali has already been achieved through bridges over the Hatania-Dowania rivers. She also noted that electricity has reached Sagar Island and that a separate Sundarbans Police District was created during her tenure to improve administration and security in the region.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Sagar Island is the largest island in the Sundarbans delta.
• Gangasagar Mela is held annually during Makar Sankranti.
• The Muriganga river separates Sagar Island from the mainland.
• The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage mangrove ecosystem.

Centre–State Issues and Welfare Measures

Ms. Banerjee said the State Government took up the bridge project after repeated requests to the Union Government did not receive a response. She also stated that while central funds were provided for the Kumbh Mela, no grant was given for the Gangasagar Mela. During her visit to Bharat Sevashram Sangh on Sagar Island, she announced compensation for families of civilians or government employees who may die during the fair and recalled the withdrawal of the Gangasagar pilgrimage tax after her government assumed office.