India | West Bengal

Farakka Barrage



Farakka Barrage is a terminal barrage, a low-height dam on the river Ganges, completed in 1974. Located at a distance of 314 km from Kolkata, Farakka Barrage is 35 km south of Malda and 103 km north of Berhampore. The dam diverts water from the current channel towards the Hoogly-Bhagirathi channel to resuscitate the Hoogly Port. The barrage helps to check floods caused by the Ganges to a certain extent. The water stored is used for a dual purpose, namely, for irrigation purposes and to run the Thermal Power Station at Farakka. Water supply to Kolkata city is also supplemented through this project.

The barrage has improved the access to the north-eastern part of India. A big township has gradually evolved near the barrage and power station.

3 km from the barrage is the confluence of river Gumani and the Ganges. Here there is a small island and a deserted Nilkuthi, an office of the British who were engaged in the indigo business.

New Farakka Junction Railway station serves this area. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest international airport.



Updated on 30th July, 2014
District: Murshidabad

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