In a significant infrastructure push, Indian Railways has sanctioned a major project worth Rs 432 crore for the reconstruction of a vital bridge in West Bengal. The move aims to modernize a decades-old structure and boost operational capacity on a busy corridor.
Project Details and Strategic Importance
The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 431.76 crore, focuses on Bridge No. 57 located on the crucial Howrah–Kharagpur section. This bridge has been a linchpin for rail operations for over sixty years. The rebuilding initiative, under the administrative control of the South Eastern Railway (SER) zone, is designed to meet contemporary and future demands.
The new bridge will be engineered to handle increased stresses from higher axle loads and growing traffic volumes. A key feature is its design to support train speeds of up to 130 kmph and efficiently manage a higher gross tonnage of 57 GMT. The modern structure will align with current engineering standards, improving both structural resilience and operational performance to match the parallel line infrastructure in the section.
Future-Proofing with Fourth Line Provision
Looking ahead, the sanctioned works incorporate forward-thinking provisions. Keeping future requirements in mind, the project includes plans for a fourth railway line on this busy route. Officials stated that considering space availability, economy, and technical parameters, a combined substructure capable of accommodating both the existing Up line and the future fourth line has been planned.
This strategic inclusion is expected to significantly enhance safety, connectivity, line capacity, and overall operational efficiency on this critical rail corridor, which is a major artery for both passenger and freight movement in the region.
Enhancing Durability and Safety
The primary objective of replacing the aging bridge is to introduce a modern and robust structure. This upgrade will enhance durability and minimize age-related material deterioration that affects older infrastructure. The upgraded design is projected to strengthen safety margins and ensure long-term service reliability for decades to come.
The sanction for this project was confirmed in December 2025, marking a concrete step towards modernizing India's rail network. The rebuild of Bridge No. 57 is more than just a replacement; it is an upgrade that will facilitate faster, safer, and heavier train movements, contributing to the economic development of West Bengal and improving connectivity across the region.
