Govt Approves Renovation of Historic Bascule Bridge at Kolkata Port

Govt Clears ₹117.54 Crore for the Bridge Upgrade to Boost Efficiency at Kolkata Dock System

“Safeguarding Our Maritime Legacy While Upgrading Infrastructure for Safer, Faster & More Efficient Port Operations:” Sarbananda Sonowal

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has approved the renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, at a cost of ₹117.54 crore to enhance safety and operational efficiency. The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal gave the assent to the project today which aims to elevate efficiency at the Kolkata Dock System.

Speaking on the occasion, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our efforts are guided by the philosophy of ‘Virasat bhi, Vikas bhi’—preserving our rich heritage while advancing modern infrastructure. 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 involves the modernisation of the nearly six-decade-old double-leaf bascule bridge located at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS). Originally built by Wagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG, the bridge will undergo comprehensive structural strengthening along with electro-mechanical upgrades to improve reliability and operational safety.

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 Feb. 16, 2026.

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.

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 project will be implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), with the work awarded to Mumbai-based M/s 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.