L&T Secures Major Bridge Project in West Bengal; Stock Slips on Kuwait Tender Uncertainty

Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Transportation Infrastructure arm has secured a “significant” contract to construct an extradosed cable-stayed bridge over the Muri Ganga River in West Bengal, strengthening the company’s momentum in public infrastructure execution.

In an exchange filing on Tuesday, L&T classified the order as “significant,” which typically indicates a value in the range of ₹1,000 crore to ₹2,500 crore under its internal order-size categorisation.

Despite the domestic order win, L&T shares traded lower during the session and touched a one-month low, as investors tracked reports that Kuwait may review or rework portions of its upstream oil tender pipeline after bids reportedly exceeded budget estimates. Any slowdown or re-tendering activity in the Gulf could weigh on sentiment toward engineering contractors with exposure to Middle East hydrocarbon projects.

Project scope: A lifeline for Sagar Island

The project, awarded by the West Bengal Public Works Department (PWD), involves building a bridge spanning over 3 km, designed with a 4-lane (2+2) configuration and a maximum span of around 177 metres, according to project disclosures.

The scope also includes approach roads on both sides—toward Kakdwip and Sagar Island—supporting long-term all-weather access.

Key technical features include:

• Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) for real-time traffic flow monitoring
• Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) for structural performance tracking
• Modern street lighting solutions aimed at safety and tourism support

Once completed, the bridge is expected to reduce reliance on ferry services and improve connectivity for residents and pilgrims travelling to Ganga Sagar Mela, one of India’s largest annual religious gatherings.

Broader portfolio momentum

While the West Bengal bridge expands L&T’s domestic infrastructure footprint, the company’s hydrocarbon business has also reported major contract activity.

In late December 2025, L&T disclosed a “major” order win from Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) linked to petrochemical expansion at BPCL’s Bina refinery in Madhya Pradesh, including a large LLDPE/HDPE swing unit. The project aligns with India’s goal of expanding domestic polymer capacity and reducing import dependence.

Summary

L&T has secured a “significant” (₹1,000–₹2,500 crore) bridge contract in West Bengal to support long-term connectivity to Sagar Island. However, the stock traded lower and hit a one-month low as investors monitored reports of tender uncertainty in Kuwait’s upstream oil project pipeline, a development that could impact sentiment around Middle East-linked engineering orders.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

Q1: What is the value of the new West Bengal bridge project?

L&T categorised it as a “significant” order, which typically corresponds to a value range of ₹1,000 crore to ₹2,500 crore under its classification system.

Q2: Why did the stock fall despite the new order win?

Market sentiment was influenced by reports that Kuwait may review or restructure parts of its upstream tender pipeline, which could affect the outlook for contractors exposed to Gulf-region hydrocarbon projects.

Q3: What is an extradosed cable-stayed bridge?

It is a hybrid design combining features of cable-stayed and girder bridges, often used for longer spans where stability and cost-efficiency are critical.

Q4: Why is the project important for Sagar Island?

It is expected to improve reliability of connectivity and reduce dependence on ferry travel, benefiting residents and pilgrimage traffic—especially during the annual Ganga Sagar Mela.

Q5: What other major contract did L&T recently win?

In late December 2025, L&T disclosed a major order from BPCL linked to refinery and petrochemical expansion at the Bina refinery in Madhya Pradesh.