Thu Jan 09 16:42:54 UTC 2025: ## West Bengal CM Demands National Fair Status for Gangasagar Mela, Claims it Surpasses Kumbh Mela

**Kolkata, January [Date of Publication]** – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for the Gangasagar Mela to be granted national fair status, arguing that its scale surpasses even the Kumbh Mela. Speaking at the inauguration of the annual pilgrimage on Thursday, Banerjee highlighted the significant logistical challenges and resources deployed for the event, held at the confluence of the Ganges and Bay of Bengal.

Banerjee stated that while the central government provides substantial funding for the Kumbh Mela, the West Bengal government bears the sole responsibility for the Gangasagar Mela’s arrangements. She emphasized the difficulties faced by pilgrims in reaching Sagar Island, citing the necessity of ferry crossings and a subsequent 30km road journey. She contrasted this with the relative ease of access to Kumbh Mela locations.

To address the accessibility issues, the state government has mobilized 32 vessels and 100 motor launches to ferry pilgrims across the Muriganga river, operating for 20 hours daily. Approximately 4,000-5,000 buses are expected to transport pilgrims from across India. Furthermore, the government has deployed volunteers to assist pilgrims with language barriers and has provided a Rs 5 lakh insurance cover for each attendee. Extensive medical facilities, including a 550-bed hospital, air ambulance, and water ambulance, are also in place.

Banerjee further announced that the state government has abolished the previous pilgrimage tax and is undertaking the construction of a 5km four-lane bridge over the Muriganga river at a cost of Rs 1,500 crore. This project, she said, aims to directly connect the fair site to Kolkata, resolving a long-standing infrastructural bottleneck. The project’s detailed project report (DPR) is complete, the tendering process finalized, and construction is expected to take two to three years. Banerjee concluded by assuring pilgrims of a comfortable and hassle-free experience, emphasizing their status as guests of the state.

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