Kolkata: The state government will construct a cable-stayed bridge at Majerhat along the lines of Vidyasagar Setu.
According to the sources, the state government has given clearance to the design and the construction is expected to get completed within nine months after the work order is given.
It may be recalled that a portion of the Majerhat bridge had caved in on September 4 which led to widespread inconvenience for people, as the bridge was a major connection between the Central and Southern parts of the city.
The state government had formed a high power committee headed by Chief Secretary Malay De. The committee had recommended construction of a new bridge, after bringing down the remaining portion of the structure.
Subsequently, the state Public Works Department had initiated steps for construction of the new bridge and a tender was floated. It was October 25 when a Punjab-based company was selected for construction of the bridge and the expected cost to construct the same was Rs 160 crore.
It has been learnt that a design proposing construction of a cable-stayed bridge was submitted to the state government. After going through all aspects, the state government has given its nod for the same. The construction of the cable-stayed bridge that will be four-lanes wide, will cost an additional Rs 21 crore.
It has been learnt that there was also a discussion among top brass of the state government and the construction company, over the time required for construction of the bridge. Sources said it has been stated that there will be a requirement of nine months after the work order is given.
There will also be discussion in this regard with the Railway and Metro authorities. It may be mentioned that Majerhat bridge needs to be constructed over railway tracks. Many trains of the Sealdah-Budge Budge section and Circular Railway pass under the bridge.
At the same time, construction of a Metro station of the Joka-BBD Bag stretch is going on just adjacent to the place where the new Majerhat bridge will come up. So, the neces-
sary discussion in connection with construction of the new bridge will be carried out with the Railway and Metro authorities.
It may be recalled that the state government has targeted completion of the construction of the bridge within a year and accordingly, the concerned officials are also taking all necessary steps.