West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday took a decisive step towards ending the long-standing transport woes for pilgrims heading to Sagar Island by laying the foundation stone for the ambitious Gangasagar Setu, a massive bridge over the Muriganga River. Declaring that the state will no longer wait for central assistance, she announced the government's independent move to construct the Rs 1,700-crore project.
A Bridge to Transform an International Pilgrimage
Addressing a gathering at the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Kolkata, the Chief Minister framed the bridge as a critical infrastructure project aimed at transforming the Gangasagar Mela into a seamless experience. The annual fair, held on Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas district, attracts lakhs of devotees who take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal and offer prayers at the Kapil Muni temple on Makar Sankranti.
"We have no intention of begging before anyone," Banerjee stated emphatically, highlighting the state's resolve. She pointed out that while the Kumbh Mela receives substantial funding, the Gangasagar Mela does not. "The Gangasagar Mela belongs to the common people. This is an international world fair. We do not need any more stamps or approvals," she asserted.
Addressing Logistics and Safety Challenges
The Chief Minister detailed the immense logistical challenges faced during the mela, describing a six-month preparation process. She emphasized the administration's hardship in ferrying millions of pilgrims one by one to the island. "It cannot be adequately explained how challenging the situation is," she said, noting that over one crore visitors are expected this year.
To ensure safety and support, Banerjee announced several measures for the upcoming 2026 fair on January 14 and 15. These include the withdrawal of a previously levied tax on pilgrims and a compensation scheme. "We have also decided that between January 9 to 17, if any death takes place — whether police personnel, journalists, common people, officers, or workers — the family members of the deceased will receive Rs 5 lakh as compensation," she said.
A Project of Difficulty and Determination
Banerjee admitted that constructing the 5-km-long, four-lane bridge is "particularly difficult," a task that will require significant manpower and expertise. The Public Works Department has already handed over the project to engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
"I will feel relieved once this work is completed," the CM confessed, underscoring the personal and administrative significance of the project. She reiterated that the state government is using its own funds to provide all basic facilities like toilets, food, and drinking water for the pilgrims, a practice it has been following for years.
During her address, Banerjee also flagged concerns about the Summary Revision of electoral rolls, claiming that names of many, including the Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha and several monks, had been wrongly deleted.
The foundation-laying ceremony marks a pivotal moment for connectivity in the Sundarbans region, promising to revolutionize travel for both pilgrims and residents by replacing the unreliable ferry system with a permanent, robust link.
