Is Kolkata Port's Bascule Bridge Getting a Major Renovation?
Synopsis
Kolkata Port's historic Bascule Bridge is set for a transformative renovation, ensuring enhanced safety and efficiency for cargo movement. This project not only preserves a significant landmark but also boosts the city's logistics capabilities, making it a vital maritime gateway.
Key Takeaways
Major renovation of Bascule Bridge begins at Kolkata Port.
Investment of Rs 117.54 crore for modernisation.
Collaboration with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited for project execution.
Enhancement of safety and efficiency in cargo transport.
Completion expected by May 2027 .
Kolkata, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), has embarked on a significant renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge located at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) aimed at ensuring safer, quicker, and more efficient cargo transport.
This renovation will facilitate uninterrupted traffic flow between the Garden Reach-Metiabruz region and the rest of the city.
This crucial infrastructure initiative, estimated at Rs 117.54 crore, will upgrade the engineering marvel constructed in 1966 by the Austrian firm, Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG. This double-leaf rolling bridge is truly a distinctive piece of engineering.
The leaves of the bridge open to allow cargo vessels to transit between Kidderpore Dock-I and Dock-II, then close to provide a primary roadway for heavy commercial vehicles and local commuters.
According to a senior SMPK official, "Given its nearly six decades of service, this overhaul is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and mechanical efficiency of the port’s most important evacuation route."
SMPK has collaborated with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) through a formal MoU for the project’s completion. After a competitive bidding process, the contract was awarded to M/s H & H Fressinet, Mumbai.
As per the official, "The renovation entails a complete upgrade of the bridge’s extensive 1,640-tonne steel structure and its complex electro-mechanical systems, which include hydraulic gears and rack-and-pinion setups that facilitate its movement. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India, has acknowledged the strategic significance of this project by allocating Rs 40 crore under the Sagarmala Scheme."
SMPK chairman Rathendra Raman emphasized, "The Bascule Bridge is a cornerstone of our port’s logistics network. By investing in this comprehensive renovation, we are not only preserving a historic landmark but also actively enhancing the safety and speed of port operations. This project ensures that Kolkata remains a robust and reliable gateway for maritime trade while also supporting the daily transit needs of the city's residents. We anticipate its completion by May 2027."
In India, only three such bridges exist. Besides the one in Kolkata, the other two are located in Mumbai and Tamil Nadu.
Point of View
I recognize the crucial role that the renovation of the Bascule Bridge plays not only in preserving a historic landmark but also in enhancing the logistics and transportation framework of Kolkata. This strategic upgrade reflects our commitment to maintaining and improving essential infrastructure vital for both commerce and daily life in the city.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Bascule Bridge renovation?
The renovation aims to ensure safer, faster, and more efficient cargo movement while preserving a historic landmark.
How much is being invested in the renovation?
The total investment for the renovation is estimated at Rs 117.54 crore.
Who is responsible for the renovation project?
SMPK is collaborating with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and has awarded the contract to M/s H & H Fressinet, Mumbai.
When is the renovation expected to be completed?
The renovation is expected to be completed by May 2027.
How many Bascule Bridges are there in India?
There are only three Bascule Bridges in India, located in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Tamil Nadu.
