GANGTOK: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on 7th February announced that the Central government has sanctioned Rs. 1,190 crore for a new bridge over the Teesta River, which would turn out to be a landmark infrastructure development for North Bengal. The new bridge is supposed to become an important alternative to the dilapidated Coronation Bridge, which passed years of neglect and disrepair.
The project will stretch a total length of 6.85 kilometers to cover the length from Sevoke in Darjeeling to Ellenbari. This infrastructure development will probably improve connectivity between the important locations such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, Siliguri, and the Dooars region.
During the current session of the Parliament, MP Raju Bista has expressed concern over the condition of the Coronation Bridge and seeks an update regarding the construction of a replacement. To this, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has clarified that the DPR for the new bridge is reaching the final stage of approval. Once approved, the project will be completed in 36 months.
The Coronation Bridge was constructed in 1937 and has been seriously damaged, mainly by the two earthquakes in 2011 and 2015. Even with its critical state, the West Bengal Public Works Department has not undertaken major repair work. The new bridge is expected to modernize transportation in North Bengal by reducing travel distances by 14 kilometers and increasing safety for commuters, traders and tourists.
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