"Indian Railways Approves ₹432 Crore for Howrah-Kharagpur Bridge Redevelopment"

Indian Railways has approved a ₹431.76 crore infrastructure project to rebuild Bridge No. 57, a crucial rail bridge on the Howrah-Kharagpur section under the South Eastern Railway (SER).

According to an official press release, the project will involve reconstructing the bridge substructure on a diverted alignment and constructing a new viaduct. The plan also includes the development of a new Kolaghat Railway Station, extensive platform works, and upgraded passenger amenities between Deulti and Kolaghat stations in the Kharagpur Division.

Bridge No. 57 has been in service for over six decades, supporting rail operations on established foundations. The sanctioned rebuilding aims to introduce a modern, robust structure designed to enhance durability, reduce age-related wear, and strengthen safety margins for long-term reliability.

The upgraded bridge will accommodate current and future operational requirements, including higher axle loads, increased traffic volumes, and trains running at speeds of up to 130 kmph. The new structure will be engineered to handle a gross tonnage of 57 GMT, ensuring improved structural resilience and operational performance in line with other parallel lines in the section.

In addition, the project includes provisions for a future 4th railway line, with a combined substructure designed to support both the current Up line and the planned expansion, taking into account space, technical feasibility, and cost efficiency.

The initiative is expected to significantly enhance safety, connectivity, capacity, and operational efficiency along this busy corridor, marking a major upgrade to one of South Eastern Railway’s key routes.