Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has achieved a major infrastructure milestone with the launch of a 140-foot double-lane Modular Steel Bridge (MSB) in a record time of just seven days in Kolkata. The bridge, fabricated and launched on January 16, 2026, has been constructed for the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) to ease chronic traffic congestion at Lake Town on VIP Road.

This marks the first time in Kolkata that an advanced double-lane Modular Steel Bridge of Class-70 specification has been launched, underscoring GRSE’s growing role in rapid-deployment urban infrastructure solutions. Despite constraints posed by heavy traffic movement at the site, the bridge was completed within a week, setting a new benchmark for speed and execution.

GRSE said the project reflects the expertise of its engineering teams and taskforce, who designed, manufactured and launched the advanced version of the Bailey Bridge using proprietary technology and efficient workflow management. The accelerated execution helped minimise disruption in one of the city’s busiest traffic corridors.

The newly launched bridge features a carriageway width of 7.5 metres, which is double the width of an earlier Bailey Bridge installed by GRSE across the Kestopur Canal. This enhanced width is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks in the Lake Town–VIP Road stretch.

In addition to its wider carriageway, the bridge has been designed for high durability and load-bearing capacity. The galvanised surface finish is expected to ensure easier maintenance and a longer service life, while the structure is capable of supporting vehicular loads of up to 100 metric tonnes.

Officials said the successful execution of the project demonstrates the potential of modular steel bridges in addressing urban traffic challenges through fast-track construction. With increasing pressure on city road networks, such solutions are expected to play a critical role in improving connectivity and reducing congestion in metropolitan areas.

News source: PSU Connect