Rs 117 Crore Upgrade Approved For Historic Bascule Bridge At Kolkata Port
The Union government has approved a major renovation project for the historic Bascule Bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, with an estimated investment of Rs 117.54 crore aimed at strengthening safety and improving operational efficiency at the Kolkata Dock System.
The decision was cleared by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal formally approving the project.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata reflects this commitment by safeguarding an important legacy asset while upgrading it with modern technology to ensure safer, faster and more efficient port operations.”
The project focuses on the modernisation of the nearly six-decade-old double-leaf bascule bridge located within the Kolkata Dock System.
Originally constructed by the Austrian engineering firm Wagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG, the bridge will undergo extensive structural reinforcement along with upgrades to its electro-mechanical components.
These improvements are expected to significantly enhance the reliability, durability and safety of the structure.
The proposal had earlier been evaluated by the Delegated Investment Board, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, during its meeting on 16 February 2026.
Funding for the project will partly come from the government’s Sagarmala Programme, which will contribute roughly Rs 41 crore.
Implementation of the renovation has been entrusted to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, with the engineering contract awarded to Mumbai-based infrastructure firm M/s H & H Fressinet.
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