Central minister slams state government over lack of repairs to Durgapur barrage
The Statesman | 26 October 2025“What work has been done during the 45-day closure of the bridge? Why haven’t the bearings been replaced? The Chief Minister should answer that first,” Dr Majumdar said while criticising the state government after attending an event at NIT Durgapur yesterday.
The Durgapur Barrage, built in 1955, serves as a crucial link connecting Jangalmahal, Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, and Medinipur with Durgapur and north Bengal. The 962-metre-long bridge has deteriorated over the years. The strip seal joints had collapsed, and the barrage had been suffering from erosion. Although occasional repairs were carried out, the heavy traffic caused repeated damage, making the bridge increasingly unsafe, Dr Majumdar stated.
Approximately 26,000 vehicles, including around 1,000 trucks, use the bridge daily. The continuous movement of heavy vehicles exerts tremendous pressure on the structure, which has long required major renovation. Buses from Bihar and Odisha also ply this route. In April this year, an alternative road was built over the Damodar river. From 1 May, 29 new strip joints were installed within 15 days, and a new pitch-and-concrete surface was laid on the bridge.
“Although the strip seals and road surface have been repaired, serious questions remain as the bearings beneath the bridge pillars have not been replaced. Concerns have been raised about the structural strength of the bridge. Why were the bearings not inspected or replaced during the repair work, and why were proper arrangements for diverting heavy vehicles not made?” he asked.
The state’s strained relationship with the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) has intensified in recent years over the release of water from the Maithon and Panchet dams. This year too, the state has blamed the DVC for releasing excess water. Two days ago, the Chief Minister, speaking from north Bengal, questioned the silt levels in DVC’s reservoirs and reportedly warned that if corrective measures were not taken, the dam could face demolition. Following this, Trinamul Congress organised protests at various DVC offices, including those at Maithon, Panchet, and Durgapur.
State irrigation minister Manas Bhuiyan, law minister Malay Ghatak, and panchayat minister Pradeep Majumdar were also present at the event.
Dr Majumdar further pointed out that while the original plan prepared by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) proposed seven dams on the Damodar river, only five have been constructed so far. The Tenughat dam remains under the control of the Jharkhand government. “The Centre is only reviewing reports but taking no concrete action. Unless dredging is undertaken in the Damodar river, it will continue to remain the sorrow of Bengal,” the Union minister added.
