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Major Initiative to Connect Kolkata Port with NH-16 via Tunnel and Road
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News18•14-10-2026, 14:12
Major Initiative to Connect Kolkata Port with NH-16 via Tunnel and Road
- •The National Highways Authority of India has planned a new six-lane road and underground tunnel to improve connectivity between Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port and National Highway 16.
- •The project includes a 7.5-kilometer underground tunnel from Panchla to Panchla EC and an 18.5-kilometer six-lane road on NH-16B from Panchla to Bagnan.
- •A tender has been issued to appoint a consultancy firm for preparing the Detailed Project Report, with the bid submission deadline set for October 22, 2026.
- •The execution period for the project is slated for 270 days, significantly aiming to streamline cargo movement to the port.
- •Additionally, a mini-port is being constructed in Balagarh, Hooghly, to ease operational pressure on the Kolkata Port.
Key Questions Answered
According to the tender published by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the final deadline for submitting bids is October 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with the bids scheduled to be opened on the same day.
The project plans include constructing a 7.5-kilometer-long underground tunnel from Panchla to Panchla EC, along with an 18.5-kilometer-long six-lane road on NH-16B running from Panchla to Bagnan.
A mini-port is being developed in Balagarh, Hooghly, specifically to help ease the heavy freight pressure on the Kolkata Port.
