Central Nod Clears Path: Burdwan, India – A significant hurdle has been overcome for the construction of two vital bridges in Burdwan, with the central government finally approving funding. This green light paves the way for the much-anticipated Shilpa Setu (Industrial Bridge) and another bridge over the Eden Canal on the Damodar River, promising to ease traffic congestion and bolster connectivity in the region.
The announcement of an alternative bridge next to the existing Krishak Setu (Farmer’s Bridge) at Pulempur was first made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in February of last year. Following this, the state Public Works Department (PWD) applied for central allocation before floating international tenders for what will be one of the state’s largest bridges. That central approval has now been secured, according to PWD sources. Importantly, central funding has also been approved for another bridge over the Damodar, in addition to the Shilpa Setu. This means there are now no further obstacles to the Shilpa Setu’s construction.
Addressing Decades of Wear and Tear
The existing Krishak Setu, spanning the Damodar River in Burdwan’s Pulempur area, is over 50 years old. Naturally, the aging structure has become a significant risk for vehicular movement, as it serves as the sole link for communication between five to six districts in South Bengal and North Bengal. While the Krishak Setu has undergone several repairs and health checks, the need for an alternative became clear. The matter reached the Chief Minister, who personally approved the new bridge in February 2024.
Initially, the state budget allocated 100 crore rupees for the construction of the Shilpa Setu, with a proposal for an additional 146 crore rupees. However, bidding agencies indicated that this amount would be insufficient to construct both the bridge and its connecting roads, proposing a cost of 350 crore rupees. This higher amount was not initially approved by the state PWD.
Central Funding Boost and Project Details
Subsequently, the state applied to the Central Road Infrastructure Department for funding for both the Shilpa Setu and the bridge over Burdwan’s Eden Canal, seeking a total of 401.24 crore rupees. The central government has now allocated 347.11 crore rupees, a substantial boost that removes all remaining hurdles for both projects, as confirmed by the District PWD.
Designs for both bridges have already been submitted to the Central Road Transport Department. The Shilpa Setu, part of the Burdwan-Arambagh state highway, will be 640 meters long and feature three lanes. This modern, cable-stayed bridge will be supported by five pillars and is expected to significantly alleviate travel woes once completed. Similarly, the bridge over the Eden Canal on the Damodar will also be three lanes wide and span 80 meters.
Tight Deadlines and Preparations Underway
The Central Road Transport Department has issued a clear directive: if administrative approval for the work is not obtained within four months, the allocated funds will be canceled. Consequently, all preparations are in full swing. Work has already begun to remove encroachers from irrigation department land designated for the bridge construction. The state PWD has also stipulated that any agency awarded the tender must complete the work within 730 days.
The approval of central funding marks a significant milestone for Burdwan, promising enhanced connectivity and a safer, more efficient transportation network for years to come.
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