The West Bengal government has initiated land acquisition for a Rs 1,438.62-crore project - a 4.85-km bridge over the Muriganga River, connecting Kolkata directly to Gangasagar.

Notices are being sent to around 150 landowners who have consented to part with approx. 12 acres needed for the bridge’s construction. This infrastructure will be the state’s longest river bridge and is set to reduce the current 45-minute ferry crossing to just five to seven minutes by road. Currently, pilgrims must travel by road to Kakdwip Lot No. 8 and then board vessels to reach Kachuberia on Sagar Island, followed by a road journey to Gangasagar.

The new bridge will streamline access, especially benefiting the millions of annual pilgrims and local residents. Emergency medical transport from the island to Calcutta will also become more efficient, no longer dependent on tidal schedules.

Public Works Department (PWD) is executing the project and has floated tenders, now extended to June 24. Commissioning is scheduled within four years of work commencement. Several major engineering firms have shown interest. Authorities emphasize that landowners will be compensated at market rates, ensuring a smooth acquisition process.