Govt approves renovation of bascule bridge at Kolkata Port

• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has approved the renovation of the bascule bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata at a cost of Rs 117.54 crore on March 10.

• The project aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency at the Kolkata Dock System.

• The bridge was constructed in 1966 by the Austrian Firm, Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG. 

• The double-leaf rolling bridge opens to allow cargo ships to pass between Kidderpore Dock-I and Dock-II. 

• The structure serves as a critical link between the Garden Reach-Metiabruz region and the rest of Kolkata

• The bridge will undergo comprehensive structural strengthening along with electro-mechanical upgrades to improve reliability and operational safety.

• The proposal was appraised by the Delegated Investment Board (DIB), chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, during a meeting held on February 16.

• The renovation project will receive financial assistance of around Rs 41 crore under the Sagarmala Programme, the Government of India’s flagship initiative aimed at port-led development.

• Once completed, the upgraded bridge is expected to facilitate safer, faster and more efficient movement of cargo and vehicles within the port premises, thereby strengthening logistics operations at one of India’s oldest and busiest ports.

• The project will be implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).