New bridge connecting Burnpur with Bankura to be announced in Bengal budget
The Statesman | 22 June 2026
A new bridge connecting the rural Bankura district with the industrial town of Burnpur in Paschim Bardhaman district in West Bengal is likely to be announced in the state budget that will be tabled on Monday.
Currently, a 800 metre bamboo or wooden structure connecting Burnpur with the Biharinath Hill of Bankura, which remains inaccessible during the monsoon season.
Locals along with panchayat had set up this temporary structure which is availed by around 20,000 commuters, mostly migrant workers and vegetable and fish sellers regularly who travel to the industrial towns of Burnpur and Asansol for employment and business opportunities.
“The double engine government is in power and we will definitely set up the new bridge connecting Burnpur with Bankura which will act as a game changer in this region and will significantly boost the socio-economic sector of this region,” state Minister of Urban Development Agnimitra Paul said.
“With ISP (IISCO Steel Plant) of Burnpur set to become one of the largest industries in the country after its proposed expansion project, and a lot of new industries coming up surrounding the area, in the coming days we hope that the new permanent bridge will boost for employment opportunity and religious tourism in both ends of the bridge,” Paul said.
During the pre budget meeting with state finance minister Swapan Dasgupta and urban development minister Ahgnimitra
Paul at Durgapur with members of trade and industry, the Paschim Bardhaman District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PBDCCI) has proposed to set up a bridge connecting Burnpur with Bankura, a long-time demand of the locals.
Moreover, thousands of pilgrims use this makeshift route during the entire month of Shravana, especially on Mondays to offer their prayers at the temple at Biharinath Hills in Bankura.
The alternative routes like Mejia Bridge on the Damodar river, National Highway 60 connecting through Raniganj and Mejia, and the Durgapur Barrage on the Damodar river, are distant from the area.
Reports indicate that Saltora MLA Chandana Bauri and Agnimitra Paul who is the MLA from Asansol South, have been working to ensure that the new state government sets up the bridge connecting Bankura with industrial belt of Asansol.
Union steel minister Ram Vilas Paswan had announced this new bridge upon the Damodar river almost two decades back. However, the project remains stalled.
The previous Mamata Banerjee government did not construct this crucial bridge as well. However, the then PWD minister Moloy Ghatak had conducted a survey project through his department.
The new bridge will also be connecting the industrial township Jangal Sundari Karmanagari in Purulia and Bankura to the industrial belt of Asansol and Burnpur.