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After a decade, Teesta bridge gets Bengal nod: The project, its security significance

At present, there is only one British-era bridge on the Teesta linking West Bengal and Sikkim. Why is this route important, what is the Centre's plan, and why has the new bridge been held up for so long?

The Coronation Bridge was built in the memory of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth from 1937 to 1941. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

After more than 10 years, the West Bengal government this week gave its nod to the Teesta bridge project, which will connect Sikkim and West Bengal. The new bridge will not only help boost tourism, but is also important for strategic purposes.

Sources in the state government said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given the green signal to the Centre for the project and ordered the Public Works Department (PWD) to prepare a Detail Project Report (DPR).

At present, there is only one British-era bridge on the Teesta linking West Bengal and Sikkim. Why is this route important, what is the Centre’s plan, and why has the new bridge been held up for so long?

What is the existing bridge over the Teesta?

The Coronation Bridge was built in the memory of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth from 1937 to 1941. At that time, its construction cost over Rs 1 lakh. Its foundation stone was laid by then Bengal Governor John Anderson.

Even after more than 80 years, it remains the only link between West Bengal and Sikkim. The bridge was damaged in the 2011 earthquake, after which the Centre started planning an alternative bridge to increase connectivity between the two states on this strategically important route.

The Doklam standoff between India and China in 2017 made the construction of a new bridge more urgent, as the Coronation bridge is the only lifeline for the armed forces to transport necessary equipment to the China and Bhutan border and military bases.

Why has it taken 12 years?

According to officials, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was unhappy with the land acquisition needed for the project.

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A senior official of the state Home department said, “There were some land acquiring problems that stopped Mamata Banerjee from giving her go-ahead to this project. Banerjee is always against forcefully acquiring land. However, with the fall of the Hasina government in Bangladesh and China’s increasing presence at the Sikkim border, the security importance of this bridge has become apparent. Thus, she has given her nod.”

The official also said, “Sikkim is also one of the main tourist destinations for tourists from West Bengal. A new bridge will facilitate tourist flow.”

What happens now?

After the state government gave its nod, the Centre has approved Rs 1,100 crore for the project. After this, the state government will move to acquire land. Once the DPR is approved by the central government, tenders will be called for the construction.

Atri Mitra

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More