The Centre has approved Rs 1,000 crore for construction of a second road bridge over Teesta at Sevoke in West Bengal.
The proposed 1.3 km new bridge will run parallel to the current railway bridge and provide an alternative to the Coronation Bridge which was built eight decades ago.
The new Teesta Bridge will link Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim to the Dooars region. Moreover, it is also strategically important given the region’s proximity to China.
The feasibility study and detailed project report (DPR) for the project has been completed. Work will begin once a No Objection Certificate is received from the Forest Department. The project is expected to be ready in 18-24 months.
With an all new road constructed from the Oodlabari in Malbazar to Gangtok, the second bridge at Sevoke will enhance the area’s infrastructure.
The Coronation Bridge spans the Teesta and connects the districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong with Oodlabari in Jalpaiguri district. The bridge is a part of NH-17.
Since it was not possible to obtain support from the Teesta riverbed owing to the depth and water current, the bridge was supported by a fixed arch. The weakening of the bridge has led to restrictions being imposed and only vehicles weighing up to one tonne are currently allowed.