The survey for the proposed four-lane bridge connecting Salori to Hetapatti over the Ganga has been completed, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) also finalised. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 14.50 billion, with Rs 9 billion allocated for construction by the UP State Bridge Corporation and Rs 5.50 billion earmarked for land acquisition by the Irrigation Department. The budget proposal and DPR have been submitted to the headquarters of the Public Works Department (PWD) for approval. The need for a new bridge has become increasingly urgent due to the frequent breakdowns of the 58-year-old Shastri Bridge, which serves as a vital link between Prayagraj and Varanasi, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, and other districts in the Purvanchal region. The requirement for an additional bridge was further emphasized with the anticipated heavy traffic during the Mahakumbh 2025. This concern was addressed in a special meeting of the state cabinet during the event. Following this meeting, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced plans for four new bridges over the Ganga and Yamuna, including the Salori-Hetapatti bridge. The UP State Bridge Corporation sent its survey report to the PWD headquarters in the last week of March. The construction budget has been set at Rs 9 billion, while the Irrigation Department has allocated Rs 4.50 billion for land acquisition from Salori STP to the IERT ramp and farmers' land near Hetapatti, with an additional Rs 1 billion for related works. Officials confirmed that the survey work was completed promptly, raising expectations that the budget for the bridge's construction will soon be released. The land acquisition proposal has already been prepared, with a significant portion of the required land owned by farmers and the army. News source: Hindustan Times