Kolkata: Centre on Wednesday approved Rs 1,175.59 crore for construction of a 6.91-km-long, six-lane major bridge across River Teesta at Sevoke on NH-10 in Darjeeling. The project, in the pipeline for some time, will serve as an alternative to historic Coronation Bridge, commissioned in 1941 to commemorate King George VI’s coronation.Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari said the proposed bridge will significantly strengthen connectivity between Sikkim, North-Eastern states and Siliguri Corridor, facilitating smoother movement of passengers and freight. “The project will support regional integration, trade and commerce, tourism and logistics, while contributing to sustained socio-economic development across the region,” he said.Writing on X, the minister added that improved road infrastructure will reduce travel time, ease congestion and benefit local communities and the wider regional economy.