New Delhi, 10 March (H.S.): The central government greenlit the renovation of Kolkata Port's iconic Bascule Bridge, allocating ₹117.54 crore to bolster safety and operational capacity at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port.

Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the project as embodying PM Narendra Modi's heritage with development vision—safeguarding a key legacy asset while equipping it with modern technology for swifter, safer port operations.

Nearly six decades old, this double-lane bascule bridge—originally built by Wagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG—will undergo comprehensive structural fortification and electro-mechanical upgrades. Approved by the ministry's Delegated Investment Board on February 16, 2026, execution falls to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), with Mumbai's H&H Freyssinet contracted for works.

Sagarmala provides ₹41 crore in funding, ensuring enhanced dock system reliability for cargo and commuter traffic.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar