The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has approved the renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata at a cost of ₹117.54 crore, with the aim of improving safety and operational efficiency at the Kolkata Dock System.
The approval for the project was granted by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
The renovation is intended to modernise the existing infrastructure while preserving an important legacy structure at one of India’s oldest ports.
The project involves the modernisation of the nearly six-decade-old double-leaf bascule bridge located at the Kolkata Dock System.
Originally constructed by Wagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG, the bridge will undergo structural strengthening as well as electro-mechanical upgrades designed to improve reliability and operational safety.
According to the ministry, the proposal for the renovation project was appraised by the Delegated Investment Board chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways during a meeting held on 16 February.
“The renovation project, estimated at ₹117.54 crore, will receive financial assistance of around ₹41 crore under the Sagarmala Programme, the Government of India’s flagship initiative aimed at port-led development,” the ministry said.
Once completed, the upgraded bridge is expected to facilitate safer and faster movement of cargo and vehicles within the port premises, thereby improving logistics operations at the Kolkata Dock System.
The project will be implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), with the contract awarded to Mumbai-based firm H & H Fressinet.
Officials said the modernisation of the historic structure will help preserve a key piece of port infrastructure while equipping it with modern engineering systems to support growing maritime trade and port operations.
