Soon, bridge to connect Kalna and Shantipur

Kolkata: The state government has decided to construct a bridge over river Hooghly connecting Kalna in Burdwan and Shantipur in Nadia.

The construction of the bridge across the river will lead to a permanent solution for the local people as they no more have to cross the river in mechanised boats. It may be recalled that around 20 people drowned on May 15, 2016 when a boat capsized while ferrying people across the river from Kalna to Shantipur.

According to sources, the feasibility study to ensure whether it would be possible to construct the bridge has already being conducted. Subsequently, the work to prepare the Detailed Project report (DPR) has also started. Engineers of the planning section of the state Public Works Department are preparing the DPR that will also be submitted soon to the senior officials. The official said that all necessary works will be started as soon as the DPR gets ready.

A senior official said that the length of the bridge apart from the approach roads will be of around 1 km. "Though the final decision is yet to be taken in this connection, it is expected that we would connect bridge with the STKK Road at Kalna side while the approach roads in Shantipur side will be connecting a major thoroughfare that has link with the National Highway 34," the official said.

According to the official, the construction of the bridge will be immensely helpful to the local people and traders. At present, one needs to avail Gouranga Setu to reach Shantipur from Kalna. With the proposed bridge coming to existence, people need to travel around 35 to 40 km less to reach to the same destination.

It may be mentioned that tant sarees at Fulia and Shantipur in Nadia are famous all over the country. According to the experts, construction of the bridge will be helpful for the saree traders from the area.

Traders can avail the proposed bridge to reach to their destinations easily. At the same time, the transportation cost of their products will also go down and it will help them to attract more business.

At the same time, the state government also has planned to set up a bridge over Ajay River at Kenduli to further improve connectivity between Burdwan and Bankura. The state government also has plans to construct some more bridges to improve road connectivity.