West Bengal has embarked on land acquisition for the ambitious ₹1,438.62-crore Muriganga Bridge Project, which will span 4.85 km and forge a direct roadway between Kolkata and Gangasagar. The state’s longest river bridge to date, this infrastructure endeavour is expected to dramatically enhance regional connectivity and pilgrim access.
Notifications have been issued to around 150 landowners, each of whom has agreed to transfer approximately 12 acres needed for the bridge’s alignment. The government has assured stakeholders of compensation at current market rates, aiming for a swift and equitable acquisition process.
Upon completion, the new crossing will cut the existing 45-minute ferry journey down to a mere five to seven minutes by road. Presently, travellers must drive to Kakdwip Lot No. 8, embark on a vessel to Kachuberia on Sagar Island, and then continue by road to Gangasagar. The bridge will eliminate this multi-modal route and mitigate delays caused by tidal schedules.
Beyond facilitating smoother pilgrim traffic, the project will bolster emergency medical evacuations, enabling round-the-clock ambulance access between Sagar Island and Kolkata. The Public Works Department (PWD) has extended its tender deadline to June 24, with several leading engineering firms vying for the contract. Construction is set to commence later this year, with commissioning slated within four years of work start—marking a transformative milestone for West Bengal’s infrastructure and local economy.
