It would take a year and Rs 160 crore for the construction to be completed.
(Photo: IANS)
A Punjab-based construction agency has been selected to reconstruct the Majerhat bridge, which had collapsed on 4 September resulting in at least three deaths.
Eight agencies had participated in the tender process and the state PWD selected the design plan prepared by the agency from Punjab. The construction work can be started once the finance department gives its approval.
The agency would reconstruct the bridge within a year and an estimated Rs 160 crore would be spent for it.
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Majerhat bridge was not only a very crucial link connecting Kolkata with its southern fringes, but it was also the shortest route for vehicles from Kolkata to reach South 24-Parganas.
Ever since the Majerhat bridge collapsed, there has been massive traffic congestion in the entire area. Once the new Majerhat bridge is constructed, it would improve connectivity between central and north Kolkata with Behala and southern parts of the city as well as ease traffic congestion.
Soon after the Majerhat bridge collapsed, a high-power committee headed by chief secretary Malay De probed the incident and advised demolition of the entire bridge and construction of a new one at the same place.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had said: “Chief secretary has suggested bringing down the entire structure and construction of a new one in its place. The decision has been taken in this connection within seven days of the incident. The chief secretary will be monitoring the entire work. The new bridge would be constructed within a year.”
Within a few days of the collapse, demolition of the bridge was started and a global tender was floated.
The process pertaining to Majerhat bridge reconstruction has been fast-tracked so that the work can be completed within a year, said a PWD official.
Meanwhile, a host of steps were taken by the state government and Kolkata Police to ease traffic in the absence of Majerhat Bridge. Decisions have been taken to construct three alternate roads, including one at Alipore Avenue, where a level crossing has already been constructed.
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