Final assessment of Howrah Bridge's health condition to be available in first quarter of 2025

Kolkata, Dec 4 (IANS) A team of experts from M/s Rendel, London, including Michael J King, senior consultant and Omar Nabeel, Bridges Team leader and assistant technical director, along with representatives of RITES, met Rathendra Raman, chairman, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, on Wednesday to discuss the progress of the ongoing check-up of the 81-year-old iconic Howrah Bridge that connects the cities of Kolkata and Howrah. 

During the meeting, the experts shared their initial findings regarding the condition of the bridge that was commissioned in 1943.

"The final condition assessment report, vetted by M/s Rendel, is expected to be submitted by the first quarter of 2025. Based on this report, RITES will also propose comprehensive repair and rehabilitation schemes aimed at strengthening the bridge and ensuring its long-term durability.

"On December 3, 2024, the experts from Rendel, and engineers from SMP, Kolkata, inspected the Howrah Bridge. The detailed inspection, conducted in collaboration with RITES, is a critical part of the comprehensive health check-up initiated by SMP, Kolkata, to ensure durability and safety of the historic structure," an SMP Kolkata official said.

The Bridge, a marvel of engineering, was constructed by Calcutta Port Trust (now SMP, Kolkata) between 1937 and 1942 and opened to traffic in 1943. The Bridge was designed by the renowned consulting firm M/s Rendel, Palmer & Tritton (RPT) of London and fabricated by M/s Braithwaite Burn & Jessop using 26,500 MT of steel, the bridge has stood as a symbol of strength and innovation for decades and has been maintained by SMP, Kolkata, since its inception.

The Howrah Bridge also stands testament to India's indigenous steel manufacturing capability. After Britain stopped sending steel for the bridge due to its World War II commitments, Tata Steel rose to the occasion and developed high tensile steel for its construction.

"RITES, a government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, has already commenced work on the project since February 2023 and is progressing steadily. With the first phase nearing completion, RITES has engaged M/s Rendel Ltd (formerly M/s Rendel, Palmer & Triton, UK) - the original designer of the bridge - for critical tasks, including providing design and drawings, visual inspections of the bridge, assessment reports, and review of rehabilitation and strengthening proposals," the official added.

The Howrah Bridge, the first steel structure connecting the cities of Kolkata and Howrah, has survived several odds since its inception. Even its inauguration had to be held after dark to prevent Japanese bombers from bombing it. Originally built to last about 40-50 years, it remains one of the busiest bridges in the world even after eight decades.

"To ensure its continued durability and extend its effective life, SMP, Kolkata entrusted RITES to carry out a comprehensive health check-up of the bridge. This vital initiative will assess the structure’s condition and pave the way for necessary repairs and rehabilitation, securing the bridge's legacy for future generations," the official said.

--IANS

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