Major renovation of Second Hooghly bridge to begin in June; One lane to be closed at night

The renovation of the Second Hooghly Bridge, also known as Vidyasagar Bridge, is scheduled to begin in June 2025. The bridge, inaugurated in 1992, serves as a critical link between Kolkata and Howrah, handling heavy traffic daily. The renovation will be carried out in phases, with one lane closed at a time during nighttime to minimize disruption to commuters. The decision to work during the night is in response to the challenges of completely halting traffic on this vital route.

The first phase of the project will focus on replacing 20 weak 'stay cables' that play an essential role in maintaining the bridge's structural integrity. After this, the bearings, another crucial component of the bridge's balance, will be replaced. The renovation is estimated to cost around 200 crore rupees and is being carried out by a German company in collaboration with a local Kolkata-based firm.

The entire project is expected to take approximately 15 months to complete. Authorities are working to ensure that traffic flow remains smooth during the renovation period. This includes maintaining one lane of traffic at all times, except during the planned night-time closures. The completion of the project is expected to enhance the bridge's longevity, ensuring safety and stability for the millions who rely on it daily.