According to sources in the Sundarban Development Board, the primary work involves urgent repair and restoration of a steel-framed cart bridge, locally known as Dori Tana Kheya. The bridge connects Baradanagar mouza under Nagendrapur Gram Panchayat with Dakshin Kankandighi mouza under Kankandighi Gram Panchayat in Mathurapur-II block, within the Raidighi police station area of South 24 Parganas.
The cart bridge project has been estimated at approximately Rs 4.14 million and is scheduled to be completed within 90 days from the start of execution. Officials said the structure had become severely dilapidated, posing risks to the movement of people and goods, and therefore required immediate intervention. The work has been taken up under the ‘Plan Head’, signalling priority allocation within the state’s development programme.
In addition, the state government has approved emergent repairs to the Raidighi Bridge over the River Moni, which links areas under the Raidighi and Kankandighi gram panchayats in the same block. Located within the Raidighi subdivision of South 24 Parganas, the bridge will undergo repairs to damaged RCC rail posts, RCC railings and wheel guards, along with the fabrication, supply and replacement of two damaged expansion joints. This component of the work has been assessed at around Rs 0.47 million, with a completion timeline of 90 days.
An official from the Sundarban Affairs Department said the interventions are intended to prevent further deterioration of critical infrastructure in the region. He noted that bridges in the Sundarbans are under constant stress due to harsh environmental conditions, and delays in repairs can quickly disrupt connectivity across entire areas.
Together, the two projects involve a total outlay of about Rs 4.6 million. The works will be executed through a two-bid competitive process, with technical qualification preceding the opening of financial bids. Contractors will be required to have prior experience in similar government projects and adequate financial capacity. Officials added that unskilled labourers engaged during execution must hold valid job cards under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
