Bankura, March 30 -- People living along the Damodar River in West Bengal continue to struggle with the lack of a permanent bridge, as thousands of villagers commuting between Burnpur in Asansol and parts of Bankura face daily hardships, especially during the monsoon season.

Despite strong economic and social ties between the two regions, villagers are forced to rely on a temporary wooden bridge that is not only unsafe but also collapses frequently during heavy rains. The absence of a permanent structure has turned routine travel into a risky and costly affair, with locals paying fees to cross the makeshift bridge, which for pedestrians costs Rs 5, Rs 30-40 for motorcycles, and higher charges for vehicles.

Expressing frustration, Gurupa...