Overview
- Indian Railways sanctioned about Rs 431.76–432 crore to reconstruct Bridge No. 57 on the Howrah–Kharagpur section under South Eastern Railway.
- The replacement is designed for 57 GMT gross tonnage and planning speeds up to 130 kmph with a modern structure aligned to current standards.
- A combined substructure will accommodate the existing Up line with provision for a future fourth line to support network growth.
- The current 804-metre steel girder bridge over the Rupnarayan river, commissioned in 1900, has completed its codal life and now carries strict restrictions including a 30 kmph limit and diversions that trigger delays.
- South Eastern Railway cites a project cost of Rs 418.11 crore for the Kolaghat span and a commissioning target by the end of 2027 to restore full-speed operations across three lines.