India's second cable-stayed bridge to be built in Howrah; ₹200 cr project to ease traffic

Eastern Railways is set to construct India’s second cable-stayed steel deck bridge in Howrah, aimed at easing traffic congestion on the Howrah Bridge. The new bridge will span the existing GT Road route, linking Howrah Station with the Howrah Bridge. The new structure is a response to the rising volume of vehicular traffic, which has been placing significant strain on the 75-year-old Howrah Bridge, leading to regular traffic jams and delays.

The new cable-stayed bridge will feature a four-lane design and will measure 134 meters in length, an expansion from the existing 60 meters of the Chandmari Bridge, which was constructed in 1933. The total cost of this project is estimated to be ₹200 crores. Taiwan-based company Wicon has provided the design, and SP Singla Construction Private Limited is carrying out the construction. This upgrade will replace the old Chandmari Bridge, which has long been a critical route for traffic connecting Howrah Maidan to Bally via GT Road.

Alongside the construction of the bridge, Howrah Station is undergoing significant improvements to manage increasing passenger traffic and enhance overall capacity. The platforms 1, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13 are being extended to accommodate longer, long-distance trains. Additionally, platforms 15 and 24 are under construction and are expected to be ready by March 2025. These extensions will improve the handling capacity of the station and streamline train movements.

The upgrade project also includes a major overhaul of Howrah Station’s signaling system. The old signaling system will be replaced with a modern electronic interlocking system. This system will improve train scheduling and ensure smoother operations, reducing the potential for delays and improving overall safety. The new system will be more reliable and capable of managing the increasing volume of train traffic through Howrah, which is one of the busiest railway stations in India.

The construction of the new cable-stayed bridge and the upgrades to Howrah Station are part of a broader effort to modernize Howrah’s transportation infrastructure. The new bridge is expected to be completed by December 2025 and will help reduce traffic congestion on Howrah Bridge, ensuring faster and more efficient connectivity for commuters. Additionally, the station improvements, including the new platforms and the upgraded signaling system, will contribute to a more seamless and efficient experience for passengers traveling through Howrah Station.