The Union government has appointed railway undertaking RITES to study the feasibility of an immersed tunnel or an over-bridge between Kakdwip and Sagar Island in West Bengal. RITES has been entrusted for the preparation of DPR for Sagar Island connectivity.
The project would be India's first underwater tunnel, stretched over 3.5 km in the Muri Ganga river. This would have both rail and road links, and is estimated to cost around Rs 2,000 crore. The government intends to set up a port at Sagar Island and the proposed connectivity will ensure hassle-free movement of cargo. Based on technical feasibility and economic viability, the ministry will take a call on whether to build a tunnel or an elevated stretch.