Gangasagar Setu: Modern Bridge To Connect Kachuberia And Kakdwip! Pilgrimage To Gangasagar Now Easier

Despite assurances from the central government, the Gangasagar Setu has not been constructed. The state government has now taken the initiative to build it. The project is estimated to cost around ₹1,500 crore, and the bridge's design has already been unveiled. Additionally, surveys, tenders, and DPR-related work have been completed.

(Representative Image) Gangasagar Setu

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The bridge, named Gangasagar Setu, will be constructed over the Muriganga River. This approximately 5-kilometer-long, four-lane bridge will connect Kakdwip on one side to Kachuberia on the other. Footpaths will be built on both sides of the bridge. The construction is expected to be completed within four years. The state government has acquired about 12.97 acres of land for the project—7.95 acres on the Kakdwip side and 5.01 acres on the Kachuberia side. Construction work is set to begin soon.

Although the central government had promised to build the bridge, no action was taken. The state government has decided to proceed independently, allocating ₹1,439 crore from its treasury. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously announced the project and has now moved forward with it. The bridge will be a cable-stayed structure, resembling the Second Hooghly Bridge (Vidyasagar Setu) or Nivedita Setu.

The bridge was initially proposed to be built by the central government, with discussions dating back nearly six years. The state had suggested partnering with the center on the proposed Tajpur port and offered the bridge project in exchange. However, despite initial agreements, the center did not take any concrete steps, according to state officials. Considering the needs of the local population and the millions of pilgrims who visit the Gangasagar Mela every year, the state decided to fund the project entirely.

Last year, while reviewing preparations for the Gangasagar Mela, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the state-funded construction of the bridge. According to the public works department’s tender notification, the contractor will also be responsible for the bridge's maintenance for ten years after completion.

The total cost of the four-lane Gangasagar Setu has been estimated at ₹1,438.62 crore. The district administration has already collected no-objection certificates (NOCs) from around 150 landowners for land acquisition, and compensation amounts have been finalized. With the tender notification issued, the construction process of the Gangasagar Setu over the Muriganga River has moved one step closer to becoming a reality.