Comprehensive Evaluation of Howrah Bridge's Structural Integrity Expected in Early 2025
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Kolkata, Dec 4 (NationPress) A group of specialists from M/s Rendel, London, including Michael J King, a senior consultant, and Omar Nabeel, the Bridges Team leader and assistant technical director, alongside representatives from RITES, met with Rathendra Raman, chairman of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, on Wednesday to discuss the advancements related to the ongoing assessment of the 81-year-old iconic Howrah Bridge that links the cities of Kolkata and Howrah.
During the meeting, the experts conveyed their preliminary observations concerning the state of the bridge, which was commissioned in 1943.
"The final condition assessment report, validated by M/s Rendel, is anticipated to be delivered by the first quarter of 2025. Based on this report, RITES will propose extensive repair and rehabilitation plans aimed at fortifying the bridge and ensuring its long-term resilience.
"On December 3, 2024, experts from Rendel, along with engineers from SMP, Kolkata, conducted a thorough inspection of the Howrah Bridge. This detailed examination, carried out in conjunction with RITES, is a crucial component of the comprehensive health assessment initiated by SMP, Kolkata, to guarantee the durability and safety of this historic structure," stated an SMP Kolkata official.
The bridge, an engineering marvel, was constructed by the Calcutta Port Trust (now SMP, Kolkata) between 1937 and 1942, and was opened for traffic in 1943. Designed by the esteemed consulting firm M/s Rendel, Palmer & Tritton (RPT) of London and fabricated by M/s Braithwaite Burn & Jessop using 26,500 MT of steel, this bridge has endured as a symbol of strength and innovation for decades and has been maintained by SMP, Kolkata, since its inception.
The Howrah Bridge also serves as a testament to India's indigenous steel manufacturing capabilities. After the UK ceased sending steel for the bridge due to World War II commitments, Tata Steel stepped in and produced high tensile steel for its construction.
"RITES, a government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, has already started work on the project since February 2023 and is making steady progress. With the first phase approaching completion, RITES has partnered with M/s Rendel Ltd (formerly M/s Rendel, Palmer & Triton, UK) for essential tasks, including design and drawing provision, visual inspections of the bridge, assessment reports, and review of rehabilitation and strengthening proposals," the official added.
The Howrah Bridge, the first steel structure linking the cities of Kolkata and Howrah, has withstood numerous challenges since its inception. Its inauguration was even conducted after dark to evade Japanese bombers. Originally designed for a lifespan of about 40-50 years, it remains one of the busiest bridges in the world, even after eight decades.
"To ensure its ongoing durability and extend its operational life, SMP, Kolkata has commissioned RITES to perform a thorough health assessment of the bridge. This critical initiative will evaluate the structure's condition and lay the groundwork for necessary repairs and rehabilitation, safeguarding the bridge's legacy for future generations," the official remarked.
