A major modernisation project is planned for Kolkata’s historic bascule bridge in Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK). Costing $13 million, the 1,640tonne structure will be rebuilt and improved. The electromechanical systems will be upgraded or replaced with new technology, with work being carried out to the hydraulics and the rack and pinion drive system. The lifting sections will be reinforced, allowing the bridge to handle heavy trucks.
The double-leaf rolling bridge was built by an Austrian firm, Waagner-Biro Bridge Systems, and was completed in 1966. The bridge provides a link between the Garden Reach-Metiabruz region and the rest of Kolkata. The bascule bridge carries Khidderpore Road and can be opened to allow vessels to move between between Khidderpore Dock-I and Dock-II.
