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Journalism of Courage
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?
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.
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.
