Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, on Wednesday, said it has launched a Rs 117.54-crore modernisation project of its iconic Bascule Bridge at the Kolkata Dock System to ensure safer, faster, and more efficient cargo movement.

This vital infrastructure project will modernise the 1966-built engineering marvel that serves as a critical link between the Garden Reach–Metiabruz region and the rest of Kolkata, the port authorities said in a statement.

Originally constructed by Austrian firm Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG, the double-leaf rolling bridge is a unique piece of engineering. Its leaves open to allow cargo ships to pass between Kidderpore Dock-I and Dock-II, and close to provide a primary road route for heavy commercial vehicles and local commuters.

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, the statement said.

To execute this complex task, SMPK, formerly known as Kolkata Port Trust, has partnered with Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) through a formal Memorandum of Understanding. Following a competitive tender process, the work was awarded to H & H Fressinet, Mumbai, in September, 2025.

The renovation involves a complete upgrade of the bridge’s massive 1,640-tonne steel structure and its intricate electromechanical systems, including the hydraulic gears and the rack-and-pinion arrangements that power its movement.

“The Bascule Bridge is a cornerstone of our port’s logistics network,” said Rathendra Raman, Chairperson of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.

“By investing in this comprehensive renovation, we are not just preserving a historic landmark but 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 look forward to its completion by May, 2027,” Raman added.

Once completed, the upgraded bridge will provide a seamless experience for both maritime and road traffic, reducing delays and boosting the region’s overall economic productivity. 

Source: The Hindu Business Line 

#theshippingtribune #latestnews #shippingnews #dailynews #Maritimenews #shippingindustry #news #media #newsupdate #maritime #shippingnewsworldwide