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.
