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Historic Kolkata Port Bridge Gets ₹117.54 Crore Revamp for Modern Cargo Flow

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has approved a ₹117.54 crore renovation for the historic Bascule Bridge at Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. The project, appraised by the Delegated Investment Board, includes approximately ₹41 crore in financial assistance under the Sagarmala Programme. The comprehensive upgrade aims to modernize the six-decade-old double-leaf bridge for safer and more efficient cargo and vehicular movement within the port area. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited will implement the project to strengthen operational efficiency at the Kolkata Dock System.

Key Points: ₹117.54 Crore Renovation Approved for Kolkata's Historic Bascule Bridge

  • ₹117.54 crore project cost
  • Includes ₹41 crore Sagarmala aid
  • Renovates 60-year-old bridge
  • Enhances cargo & vehicular movement
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Union Minister Sonowal approves Rs 117.54 crore renovation of historic Bascule Bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal approves major renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port to boost cargo efficiency.

Union Minister Sonowal approves Rs 117.54 crore renovation of historic Bascule Bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port
"The Delegated Investment Board (DIB) examined the proposal for renovation of the nearly six-decade-old Bascule Bridge - Ministry of Ports"

New Delhi, March 10

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has approved the renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, at an estimated cost of Rs 117.54 crore.

As per the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the proposal of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, for renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) was appraised by the Delegated Investment Board (DIB), chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in a meeting convened on February 16, 2026.

"The Delegated Investment Board (DIB) examined the proposal for renovation of the nearly six-decade-old Bascule Bridge at the Kolkata Dock System with an estimated project cost of ₹117.54 crore, including financial assistance of approximately ₹41 crore under the Sagarmala Programme," the Ministry added.

The Ministry further added in a statement that the project aims to modernise the historic double-leaf bridge to ensure safer, faster and more efficient cargo and vehicular movement within the port area. Originally built by Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG, the bridge will undergo comprehensive structural and electro-mechanical upgradation to enhance operational safety and efficiency.

The renovation project will be implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, with execution of works awarded to H & H Fressinet.

The upgradation of this key infrastructure is expected to strengthen operational efficiency at the Kolkata Dock System and support smoother cargo and vehicular movement within the port, contributing to the continued modernisation of India's maritime infrastructure.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see Sagarmala funds being used for specific, tangible projects. However, 117 crores seems like a huge amount for one bridge renovation. A detailed cost breakdown should be made public for transparency. Hope there's no cost overrun later.
R
Rohit P
As someone from Kolkata, this is excellent news! The port area traffic can be a nightmare. Upgrading this 60-year-old bridge will definitely ease congestion and help business. Modern infrastructure is key to making our eastern ports competitive.
S
Sarah B
Investing in maritime infrastructure is smart economics. Efficient ports reduce logistics costs for everyone, from exporters to local consumers. Hope the renovation preserves the bridge's historic character while making it functionally modern.
V
Vikram M
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is executing it? Good. They have a decent track record. The key is minimal disruption to port operations during the work. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
While this project is good, I hope equal attention is given to inland waterways and last-mile connectivity from the port. A modern bridge is useless if the roads leading to it are in bad shape. Need a holistic approach.

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