Government Approves Renovation of Bascule Bridge at Kolkata Port

13 Mar 2026 CW Team

The project will modernise the nearly six-decade-old double-leaf bascule bridge originally built by Wagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG and will include comprehensive structural strengthening together with electro-mechanical upgrades to improve reliability and operational safety. Officials described the work as a combination of conservation and technical enhancement aimed at extending the useful life of the structure while reducing the likelihood of operational disruptions. The scheme is intended to support day to day movement of vessels and road traffic within the port precinct.

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 16 February 2026 and received endorsement for implementation. Financial assistance of around Rs410 million (Rs410 mn) will be provided under the Sagarmala Programme, the Government of India’s flagship initiative for port led development. The project will be implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and the contract for works has been awarded to the Mumbai based firm H & H Fressinet.

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 modernisation is also intended to preserve a key piece of maritime heritage while equipping the crossing with contemporary engineering systems to support growing trade volumes. Officials said the combination of conservation and technical upgrade will bolster resilience of port infrastructure.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (the ministry) has approved the renovation of the historic bascule bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SPMP, Kolkata) at a cost of Rs1175.4 million (Rs1175.4 mn) to enhance safety and operational efficiency at the Kolkata Dock System. The Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways gave assent to the proposal and indicated that the work aligns with a policy of preserving heritage while advancing modern infrastructure to ensure safer and faster port operations. The project will modernise the nearly six-decade-old double-leaf bascule bridge originally built by Wagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG and will include comprehensive structural strengthening together with electro-mechanical upgrades to improve reliability and operational safety. Officials described the work as a combination of conservation and technical enhancement aimed at extending the useful life of the structure while reducing the likelihood of operational disruptions. The scheme is intended to support day to day movement of vessels and road traffic within the port precinct. 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 16 February 2026 and received endorsement for implementation. Financial assistance of around Rs410 million (Rs410 mn) will be provided under the Sagarmala Programme, the Government of India’s flagship initiative for port led development. The project will be implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and the contract for works has been awarded to the Mumbai based firm H & H Fressinet. 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 modernisation is also intended to preserve a key piece of maritime heritage while equipping the crossing with contemporary engineering systems to support growing trade volumes. Officials said the combination of conservation and technical upgrade will bolster resilience of port infrastructure.

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