Rs 622 Cr Ganga Bridge Near Farakka Barrage 96% Complete, Set to Boost Bengal Connectivity & Tourism

The upcoming four-lane bridge over the Ganga near the ageing Farakka Barrage is 96 percent complete and is expected to open soon, bringing major relief to commuters and transporters in West Bengal. Built at a cost of Rs 622.04 crore, the 5.468 km-long bridge is designed to ease decades of chronic congestion on the Farakka Barrage corridor and strengthen connectivity between North and South Bengal.

The new bridge will enable smoother movement of goods and agricultural produce from North Bengal to South Bengal, while also facilitating seamless transport of aggregates to and from Jharkhand. It is expected to significantly improve logistics efficiency and reduce travel time for commercial vehicles.

The project will also enhance tourism connectivity by providing faster access to key destinations such as Kulik Bird Sanctuary, Gour Malda and Adina Mosque, along with hill regions including Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Sikkim. The improved access is expected to boost tourism-led economic growth across North Bengal.