Kolkata’s river-linked freight network is set for a significant upgrade as the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port initiates a ₹117-crore overhaul of its six-decade-old Bascule bridge connecting Kidderpore and Garden Reach. The modernisation project, scheduled for completion by 2027, is designed to strengthen cargo movement while keeping one of the city’s critical road links operational. Commissioned in the mid-1960s, the rolling lift bridge spans the dock channel between Kidderpore Dock I and II. Its twin leaves pivot open to allow vessels to pass and close to restore vehicular access across the port zone. Over time, the structure has become integral not only to maritime logistics but also to daily commuter and freight traffic serving southwestern Kolkata’s industrial and residential clusters.
Port authorities have partnered with a central public sector infrastructure firm to execute the Bascule bridge modernisation, with the contract awarded to a Mumbai-based engineering specialist. The project involves refurbishing nearly 1,640 tonnes of structural steel and upgrading ageing electromechanical systems that control the bridge’s opening and closing mechanisms. Industry observers note that such interventions are critical for ports embedded within dense urban fabric. “Aging mechanical bridges in working ports require periodic technological renewal to maintain safety standards and operational efficiency,” said a senior maritime infrastructure consultant. “Without upgrades, downtime risks increase, which can disrupt both shipping schedules and urban mobility.” The Bascule bridge modernisation is expected to improve reliability and reduce maintenance-related closures.
While authorities have indicated that the bridge will largely remain open to road traffic during the works, temporary diversions may be introduced when necessary, with alternative routes identified along Canal Dock Road. Beyond structural renewal, the project carries wider implications for Kolkata’s logistics competitiveness. As eastern India’s primary riverine gateway, the port handles bulk cargo, containers, and coastal shipping traffic that feed regional supply chains. Strengthening movable bridge infrastructure ensures that vessel turnaround times are not compromised, particularly as inland waterways gain prominence in low-carbon freight strategies. Urban planners argue that such upgrades must also align with broader resilience goals. Mechanical lifting bridges in tidal environments face corrosion, load stress, and climate-related challenges, including extreme rainfall and humidity.
Modernising systems and reinforcing steel elements can extend asset life while reducing lifecycle emissions associated with full reconstruction. The intervention also reflects a balancing act familiar to legacy port cities: preserving historic engineering assets while adapting them for contemporary freight demands and urban growth. As Kolkata continues to densify, transport corridors that serve both port operations and city residents require careful management to avoid congestion and safety risks. With completion targeted for May 2027, the Bascule bridge modernisation is positioned as both an infrastructure renewal exercise and a strategic investment in the city’s evolving maritime economy. The next phase will test how effectively execution can proceed without disrupting either shipping channels or daily urban life.
