The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has approved a ₹117.54 crore modernisation project for the historic Bascule Bridge located within the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River.
The initiative follows the guiding philosophy of “Virasat bhi, Vikas bhi”, combining heritage preservation with modern infrastructure development.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Project | Renovation of Bascule Bridge |
| Location | Kolkata Dock System, Hooghly River |
| Cost | ₹117.54 crore |
| Implementing Authority | Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) |
| Execution Partner | Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) |
| Approval Body | Delegated Investment Board (DIB) |
| Approval Date | 16 February 2026 |
| Additional Funding | ₹40 crore under Sagarmala Scheme |
| Completion Target | May 2027 |
About the Bascule Bridge
The Bascule Bridge, built in 1966, is a double-leaf rolling (movable) bridge and remains the only structure of its kind in Kolkata.
- A movable bridge with: Counterweights and rotating leaves
- Allows: Passage of ships in waterways
Constructed by Waagner-Biro (Austria), the bridge weighs around 1,640 tonnes of steel and functions as a critical link between:
- Garden Reach
- Metiabruz
and central Kolkata.
It facilitates both:
- Road transport (when closed)
- Maritime navigation (when opened for ships)
Engineering Features
The bridge operates through a rack-and-pinion mechanism, allowing its massive steel leaves to lift upwards. This enables ships to pass between:
- Kidderpore Dock-I
- Kidderpore Dock-II
This makes it an important example of movable bridge engineering that supports dual transport functions.
Need for Modernisation
After nearly six decades of continuous operation, the bridge requires:
- Upgradation of ageing systems
- Reinforcement for increasing traffic loads
- Improved efficiency for port operations
The renovation aims to ensure:
- Safety of operations
- Faster movement of vessels and traffic
- Long-term structural stability
Key Components of the Renovation
| Component | Details |
| Electro-mechanical systems | Complete overhaul and modernisation |
| Hydraulic mechanism | Upgrade of lifting systems (“hydraulic heart”) |
| Structural strengthening | Reinforcement of steel leaves for heavy-duty traffic |
| Operational efficiency | Faster, smoother and safer functioning |
The project focuses on upgrading the internal mechanical and control systems, while preserving the external heritage structure.
Institutional Framework
- Project appraised by the Delegated Investment Board (DIB) chaired by the Secretary, MoPSW
- Executed by:
- Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK)
- Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
- Supported under: Sagarmala Programme (₹40 crore funding)
Strategic and Economic Importance
- Maintains a critical transport link in Kolkata’s dock region
- Enhances:
- Port efficiency and cargo handling
- Connectivity between industrial hubs and city
- Supports: India’s port-led development strategy
- Boosts: Maritime trade and logistics
Sagarmala Scheme
| Feature | Details |
| Launched | 2015 |
| Ministry | MoPSW |
| Objective | Port-led economic development |
| Focus | Modernisation, connectivity, coastal infrastructure |
The inclusion of this project under Sagarmala highlights its importance for modernising port infrastructure.
Static Facts
Kolkata Dock System (KDS)
- Part of: Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata
- One of India’s: Oldest riverine port systems
Hooghly River
- A distributary of the Ganga River
- Important for:
- Inland navigation
- Port activities
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
- PSU under Ministry of Railways
- Executes: Infrastructure and connectivity projects