KalimNews, January 28, 2025, Kolkata: The West Bengal government has officially approved the construction of a second bridge over the Teesta River at Sevoke in Darjeeling district, four years after the central government sanctioned funds for the project. This decision comes as part of the ongoing effort to build an alternative to the aging Coronation Bridge, which has served as a vital link between North Bengal and the Northeast since its completion in 1941. The new bridge is expected to alleviate pressure on the old structure, which has become increasingly unsafe due to age and wear.
The Coronation Bridge, constructed in 1941 to commemorate the coronation of George VI, connects the Dooars and Northeast India with the rest of the country. The bridge is part of National Highway 31C, a critical route for transportation and supply chains. Over the years, the bridge has become narrow and structurally weakened, leading to load restrictions on vehicles. The increased traffic volume has made the construction of an alternative bridge essential. Strategically, the bridge’s location near the India-China border in Sikkim adds to its importance for national security.
Sources report that in 2021, the central government allocated ₹1,000 crore for the construction of the new bridge, but progress stalled as the West Bengal government delayed giving its consent. After several meetings between state officials and departments, including the forest and environment ministries to secure necessary environmental clearances, the state government has now given its approval for the project. The state’s Public Works Department (PWD) will soon begin preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and submit it to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) for further approval.
The new bridge, estimated to cost ₹1,125 crore, will be constructed parallel to the existing railway bridge in Sevoke. The bridge will have four lanes, providing a combined width of at least 14 meters, facilitating smoother traffic flow. Officials project that the project will be completed within 24 months once construction begins. The new bridge is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, particularly in the Dooars area, which heavily depends on tourism. It will also provide a reliable route to Sikkim, especially if NH10 is closed due to unforeseen circumstances.
The state government’s green light for the Sevoke bridge also signals a shift in the region’s infrastructure priorities, addressing national security concerns, the region’s growing economic needs, and the urgent requirement for an alternative route to support increased traffic.
In another development, the West Bengal Cabinet also approved the purchase of 0.9 acres of land in Karimpur, Nadia district, for setting up a Border Security Force (BSF) outpost. This move comes in the wake of concerns about infiltration from Bangladesh, with BJP alleging that the state’s reluctance to provide land for BSF outposts had been a contributing factor. The approval reaffirms the state’s commitment to securing its borders and supporting national security initiatives. The purchase of land will aid the BSF in strengthening its presence in the region, which has long been a point of contention between state and central authorities.
This approval, along with the new bridge project, reflects the West Bengal government’s ongoing efforts to enhance regional infrastructure and address security concerns while boosting the local economy.
