West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday initiated a major infrastructure push for the state's coastal region by laying the foundation stone for the ambitious Gangasagar Setu. The Rs 1,670-crore project, a 4.8-kilometre bridge, is set to transform connectivity to the Sagar Islands.
A Bridge of Development and Political Barbs
While marking the historic start of the project, which will be constructed by engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) over the next two years, the Chief Minister launched a sharp political offensive. Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government of neglecting Bengal.
"Some people came here a few days ago and lied. Liars always lie. I forgive them. Their only job is to spread lies, corruption and authoritarianism," she stated, taking a clear swipe at recent BJP visits to the area. She emphatically claimed, "You [BJP] did literally nothing. You did nothing for Bengal. You only come during elections."
Contrasting this, she highlighted her government's Unnayoner Panchali (Saga of Development) and urged critics to mock the BJP instead of her Trinamool Congress party.
Strategic and Economic Significance of Gangasagar Setu
The Chief Minister elaborated on the transformative potential of the new bridge. The five km-long, four-lane structure over the Muriganga River will create a vital link between Kakdwip on the mainland and Kachuberia on Sagar Island.
Banerjee outlined multiple benefits:
- Directly benefiting approximately three lakh residents of the island.
- Boosting trade and reducing the cost of goods by improving transport.
- Generating employment opportunities in the region.
- Enhancing access to education and healthcare services.
- Providing a crucial lifeline during natural calamities for faster relief.
- Significantly boosting tourism by improving access to the sacred Kapil Muni Ashram and the annual Gangasagar Mela.
She pointedly mentioned that infrastructure in Gangasagar was "dismal prior to 2011"—the year her party came to power—and listed subsequent upgrades including the construction of three helipads.
Welfare Contrast and a Flurry of Projects
The Chief Minister used the platform to draw a stark contrast between her government's welfare model and that of the BJP. She accused the Centre of copying her flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme but with exclusionary conditions.
"Those who copied our Lakshmir Bhandar don't give benefits if people own a bike, cycle or TV. Before elections, they hand out Rs 10,000. After elections, their bulldozer arrives," she alleged. Banerjee claimed her government has provided nearly Rs 60,000 to beneficiaries over five years through inclusive schemes that cover citizens "from birth to death."
The event was not limited to the bridge. In total, the CM inaugurated and laid foundation stones for other projects worth Rs 2,323.3 crore. This included inaugurating 96 projects valued at Rs 394 crore and initiating 70 projects worth Rs 1,929.3 crore. Notable among these are the 'Sagar Kanya', a 100-bed dormitory built for Rs 8.8 crore, and the 'Ganganna' tourism cottage.
With the massive Gangasagar Mela pilgrimage set to begin on January 8, Banerjee assured thorough preparations, noting she has convened several meetings. A team of 10-12 officials will be stationed at Gangasagar to oversee the event, which is expected to attract over 1 crore pilgrims this year.
