₹117 Crore Boost for Kolkata’s Iconic Swing Bridge

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata on Wednesday announced the launch of a ₹117.54-crore modernisation project for its iconic Bascule Bridge at the Kolkata Dock System. The initiative is aimed at improving safety, accelerating cargo movement, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

The project will upgrade the bridge, originally built in 1966, which serves as a crucial link between the Garden Reach–Metiabruz area and the rest of Kolkata, according to port authorities.

Constructed by Austrian engineering firm Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG, the double-leaf rolling bascule bridge is regarded as a distinctive engineering landmark. Its twin leaves lift to allow cargo vessels to pass between Kidderpore Dock-I and Dock-II and lower to enable road movement for heavy commercial vehicles as well as daily commuters.

Port officials said the modernisation is essential to accommodate rising cargo volumes and to sustain the efficiency of operations at the Kolkata Dock System.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.