Adhikari Thanks Centre for Sanctioning Rs 1,175.59 Crore Teesta River Bridge Project

The proposed bridge will be 6.91 km long and is expected to strengthen connectivity along National Highway-10, an important route linking North Bengal with Sikkim and the wider northeastern region.

“On behalf of the People of West Bengal, I convey our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Central Government under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji for sanctioning ₹1,175.59 crore for the 6.91-km, 6-lane bridge across the River Teesta at Sevoke,” Adhikari said in a social media post.

The Chief Minister said the project was significant because of the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken Neck”, as well as the challenging ecological and geographical conditions in the region.

He said the project, along with the upgradation of NH-10, would improve the movement of passengers and freight and strengthen supply chains connecting North Bengal, Sikkim and the northeastern states.

The new bridge is also expected to create opportunities for economic activity in communities located around the project area. Adhikari said the state government would provide the necessary support to facilitate the project's implementation.

“We deeply appreciate this cooperative federal effort and reaffirm our commitment to facilitating all necessary on-ground support to see this project completed expeditiously,” he said.

The bridge has been under consideration for some time and is expected to provide an additional crossing over the Teesta, alongside the historic Coronation Bridge, which was commissioned in 1941.

A state cabinet member said the government was coordinating with the Centre on infrastructure projects aimed at supporting economic development in North Bengal.

“Our aim is to ensure economic development of North Bengal by promoting ‘Triple T’, that is, ‘tea, timber and tourism’ sector. And to do that, the infrastructure development in the region is extremely crucial. The said bridge project is a major milestone, on this count,” the cabinet member said.