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Consider a bridge that does more than just stand still; it moves in a rhythmic, mechanical dance. In the heart of the Kolkata Dock System, a 60-year-old engineering marvel is preparing for its most extensive renovation. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) has launched a ₹117.54 crore modernisation project to rejuvenate the iconic Bascule Bridge.
This is more than just fixing a few bolts. It is a major overhaul of a structure that has been the city’s lifeline since 1966. For decades, this “folding” bridge served as the primary link between the Garden Reach-Metiabruz region and the rest of Kolkata, transporting both heavy commercial vehicles and local commuters.
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The Magic of the Folding Bridge
What makes this bridge special? It is a double-leaf rolling bridge, one of only three such structures in India. Unlike traditional bridges, its leaves swing upward, allowing massive cargo ships to pass between Kidderpore Docks I and II. Once the ships have passed, the leaves are locked back down to allow road traffic to flow.
The bridge, originally built by Austrian firm Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG, is a 20th-century design masterpiece. However, after nearly six decades of constant movement and exposure to the elements, the “old bones” of this 1,640-tonne steel titan require a high-tech upgrade to meet contemporary demands.
A Modern Heart for an Old Icon
The renovation goes deep into the bridge’s “nervous system.” The project entails a complete overhaul of the massive steel structure and its complex electromechanical systems. This includes replacing the hydraulic gears and rack-and-pinion systems that drive the heavy movement.
By modernising these components, the port hopes to ensure safer, faster, and more efficient cargo movement. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways allocated ₹40 crore from the Sagarmala Scheme to support this project, recognising its strategic importance.
Strategic Partnerships for Success
To carry out this complex engineering task, SMPK entered into a formal Memorandum of Understanding with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). Following a competitive bidding process, the Mumbai-based firm M/s H & H Fressinet was awarded the project in September 2025.
This collaboration brings together some of the brightest minds in infrastructure and mechanical engineering. The goal is to turn the bridge into a 21st-century powerhouse while preserving the structural integrity that has allowed it to last so long.
Boosting Eastern India’s Trade
The Bascule Bridge is more than just a local landmark; it is a critical component of the port’s logistics network. Rathendra Raman, Chairperson of SMPK, emphasised that this investment aims to improve the safety and speed of port operations. By reducing delays at this critical junction, the project will increase the region’s overall economic productivity.
Any major port must have efficient evacuation routes in place. As Kolkata remains a reliable maritime trade gateway, upgrading this bridge ensures that goods continue to flow into Eastern India. It is an ideal balance of preserving history and embracing the future of logistics.
What Commuters Need to Know
The good news for the thousands of people who use this bridge every day is that the project is intended to cause as little disruption as possible. While traffic may be diverted to Canal Dock Road for brief periods, the bridge will remain open for the majority of the time during the transformation.
The project is scheduled for completion in May 2027. Once completed, commuters and maritime operators can expect a seamless experience. The “folding” bridge will continue its daily routine, faster, smoother, and stronger than it has ever been in its 60-year existence.
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