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Time of India
12-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Now, sensors to monitor Howrah Bridge stability
1 2 Kolkata: The deck surface of Howrah Bridge requires replacement, and some of the joints need overhauling, a health audit of the iconic bridge has revealed. Sensors and other digital devices will soon be installed to enable real-time monitoring of the 82-year-old cantilever bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu. Such devices monitor the impact of load at various points of the structure. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (formerly Kolkata Port or KoPT), the custodian of Howrah Bridge, conducted an overnight traffic block on Nov 16 last year to facilitate the first health audit of the bridge since the eighties. RITES, which carried out the previous study from 1983 to 1988, was again entrusted with the task. The final report is expected to be submitted to Kolkata Port authorities next month, according to Samrat Rahi, deputy chairman, SMP, Kolkata. "The health report by RITES was prepared. There aren't any major signs of weakness in the structure. The recommendations relate to the replacement of the deck surface and overhauling of some of the joints, which are largely okay. These can be done for a limited cost," said Rahi. KoPT commissioned the bridge in 1943. Around 1 lakh vehicles and 1.5 lakh pedestrians traverse it daily. In Dec last year, a team from consulting firm Rendel, London (formerly Rendel, Palmer & Triton, UK), including Michael J. King, senior consultant, and Omar Nabeel, bridges team leader and assistant technical director, inspected the bridge as part of the current health audit undertaken by SMPK for the long-term durability and safety of the bridge. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata "The digital system, comprising sensors, will instantly reveal any issue relating to the structure," Rahi said, adding installation is expected within a year. According to the current contract, Rendel Ltd was engaged by RITES for critical tasks such as providing documents related to design and drawings, visual inspection, assessment reports, and review of rehabilitation and strengthening proposals for Rabindra Setu.
The Print
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
Syama Prasad Mookherjee Port launches night navigation on river Hooghly
The port leveraged modern electronic aids and navigational infrastructure, including electronic charts, track lights, and illuminated channel buoys. The initiative, aimed at reducing turnaround time and pre-berthing detention of vessels, enables seamless night-time vessel transit through the river channel from Budge Budge to the sea, a statement said. Kolkata, May 3 (PTI) Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) Kolkata on Saturday announced the successful commencement of night navigation on the River Hooghly. The National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT Madras, prepared a comprehensive study and roadmap for night navigation in collaboration with the Port of Antwerp, it said. The inaugural run saw the successful transit of the container vessel M V Sinar Penida, carrying 8,000 MT of cargo. This development is expected to increase the number of vessels handled daily, improving berth availability and port throughput. SMPK deputy chairman Samrat Rahi said, 'We look forward to enabling night navigation for larger vessels, transforming SMPK into a more agile and future-ready port.' PTI BSM RG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Kolkata Port launches night navigation on River Hooghly, significant increase in trade expected
The Kolkata Port Saturday successfully commenced night navigation in the upper reaches of the River Hooghly to the Bay of Bengal. This development will reduce turnaround time and pre-berthing detention of vessels. According to Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), the inaugural run, conducted in the early hours of Saturday, saw the successful transit of container vessel M V SinarPenida carrying a cargo quantity of 8,000 MT from Budge Budge to the sea during complete darkness. Speaking of the achievement, Rathendra Raman, Chairman, SMPK, said, 'This is a historic day for SMP Kolkata. The successful introduction of night navigation in the upper stretches of the River Hooghly is a testament to the scientific and technological approach adopted by the port. It will significantly improve operational efficiency and turnaround time, paving the way for enhanced trade throughput.' Historically, the long and meandering 232-km river channel from the sea to Kolkata Dock System (KDS), marked by restrictions in navigable depth and strong cross-tidal currents, posed a significant challenge for continuous vessel movement. The absence of night navigation between Diamond Harbour and Kolkata was a longstanding impediment to optimal maritime operations, port authorities said. According to SMPK authorities, nighttime vessel transit through the river channel will now be done by using modern electronic aids like electronic charts and navigational simulators, and backed by significant improvements in navigation infrastructure, including track lights, transit lights, and illuminated channel buoys. The National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT Madras, prepared a comprehensive study and roadmap for night navigation in collaboration with the Port of Antwerp. A navigational simulator, jointly installed by IIT Madras and Applied Research International, is now operational to support pilot training and real-time scenario analysis, authorities stated. They also said that with the introduction of night navigation, the port is expected to witness a notable increase in the number of vessels that can be handled daily. 'The ability to operate round the clock will decongest the channel, facilitate quicker vessel turnaround, and directly impact critical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as Pre-Berthing Delay, Berth Occupancy Rate, and Ship-Day Productivity. This strategic enhancement is poised to make SMPK a more attractive and competitive hub for global shipping lines,' said Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairperson, SMPK. Raman also said, 'With further acclimatisation of pilots and continuous technological upgradation, we look forward to enabling night navigation for larger vessels with deeper drafts, ultimately transforming SMPK into a more agile and future-ready port.'
