₹117 Cr Upgrade Approved for Historic Bascule Bridge at Kolkata Port

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has approved the renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, with an estimated project cost of ₹117.54 crore, marking a major step in strengthening port infrastructure and operational efficiency.

The proposal, submitted by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority, was examined by the Delegated Investment Board (DIB) chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways during a meeting held on 16 February 2026.

Modernisation of a Six-Decade-Old Port Landmark

The renovation project will focus on the nearly six-decade-old double-leaf Bascule Bridge located at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS), a key transport link facilitating cargo and vehicular movement within the port area.

Originally built by Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG, the bridge is an important component of port logistics and operations.

Under the approved plan, the structure will undergo comprehensive structural strengthening and electro-mechanical upgrades, aimed at improving operational reliability and safety.

Sagarmala Support for Infrastructure Upgrade

The total project cost of ₹117.54 crore includes financial assistance of about ₹41 crore under the Sagarmala Programme, the government's flagship initiative to modernise India's ports and improve coastal logistics.

The Sagarmala initiative focuses on port-led development, improved cargo handling capacity, and efficient maritime infrastructure to enhance India's competitiveness in global trade.

Execution by RVNL and Engineering Specialists

The renovation work will be implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a public sector enterprise known for executing large-scale infrastructure projects.

The engineering works have been awarded to H & H Fressinet, which will carry out the structural and technical upgrades.

Boost to Port Operations and Cargo Movement

Once completed, the modernised bridge is expected to significantly improve cargo handling efficiency and vehicular movement within the port complex, ensuring smoother logistics operations.

Officials said the upgrade will help reduce operational disruptions and support the long-term modernisation of the Kolkata Dock System, one of India's oldest and most strategically important ports.

The project also forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to upgrade legacy infrastructure while preserving historically significant maritime assets.