Howrah Bridge is a famous suspension bridge that spans over the Hooghly River in Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India. It connects the city of Howrah on the west bank of the river to Kolkata on the east bank, and it is one of the busiest bridges in the world, with an estimated traffic of over 100,000 vehicles and pedestrians crossing it daily.
The bridge was built in 1943 and was originally named the New Howrah Bridge, but it was later renamed to simply Howrah Bridge. It is a marvel of engineering and is one of the most recognized landmarks of Kolkata. It is made of steel and was constructed without using any nuts or bolts, using only rivets to hold the different parts of the bridge together.
The total length of the bridge is around 705 meters, and it has a width of 71 feet. It has two main towers, each about 270 feet tall, and it is supported by 4 cables, each made up of more than 27,000 individual wires.
The bridge has also been featured in several films, books, and other works of art, and it is a popular tourist attraction in Kolkata.
How to Reach Howrah Bridge:
Howrah Bridge is located in the city of Kolkata in the Indian state of West Bengal. Here are some of the ways to reach Howrah Bridge:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Howrah Bridge is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which is located about 17 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Howrah Bridge.
- By Train: Howrah Junction is the nearest railway station to the bridge, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the station, you can take a taxi, bus, or metro to reach the bridge.
- By Metro: The Kolkata Metro is a convenient way to reach Howrah Bridge. The nearest metro station to the bridge is Howrah Station on the East-West Line. You can take a train to this station and then walk to the bridge.
- By Bus: The Kolkata State Transport Corporation (CSTC) and West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) operate regular bus services to Howrah Bridge from different parts of the city.
- By Taxi: Taxis and private cabs are also available for hire to reach Howrah Bridge. You can book a taxi online or hire one from a taxi stand in the city.
It is advisable to plan your trip in advance and check the local transport schedules and routes to reach Howrah Bridge. Also, be prepared for heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, as the bridge is one of the busiest and most crowded places in Kolkata.
Historical Importance Of Howrah Bridge:
Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu, is an iconic landmark and an engineering marvel located in the Indian city of Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). It is a suspension type balanced cantilever bridge that spans over the Hooghly River, connecting the city of Howrah to Kolkata.
The bridge was opened to the public in 1943, during World War II, and it is considered to be one of the largest and busiest bridges in the world, with a daily traffic volume of around 100,000 vehicles and over 150,000 pedestrians.
The historical importance of the Howrah Bridge can be traced back to the colonial period in India, when Kolkata was the capital of British India. The construction of the bridge was considered to be a major achievement at the time, as it provided a much-needed transportation link between the two cities and facilitated the movement of goods and people.
The bridge also played a significant role in the independence movement in India, as it served as a venue for several political rallies and protests during the pre-independence era. It was also the site of a major naval mutiny in 1946, which is considered to be a significant event in the Indian freedom struggle.
The Howrah Bridge has been featured in several films, books, and other works of art, and it is widely regarded as an iconic symbol of Kolkata and its rich cultural heritage. It has also inspired several other bridge designs around the world, and its innovative engineering techniques and design principles continue to be studied and admired by engineers and architects alike.
Interesting Facts About Howrah Bridge:
Here are some interesting facts about Howrah Bridge:
- Howrah Bridge is located in Kolkata, India and is a suspension type balanced cantilever bridge that spans over the Hooghly River.
- It was originally named the New Howrah Bridge, as it replaced an old pontoon bridge. However, over time it became known simply as the Howrah Bridge.
- The construction of the bridge started in 1936 and was completed in 1943, during World War II.
- Howrah Bridge is one of the busiest bridges in the world, with an estimated daily traffic of over 100,000 vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- The bridge is made of steel, and there are no nuts and bolts used in its construction. Instead, it is held together by rivets, which were commonly used in the early 20th century.
- The bridge has a total length of 705 meters and a width of 71 feet, with two main 325-meter spans that are supported by two 90-meter anchor arms.
- Howrah Bridge is a famous landmark and an iconic symbol of Kolkata. It has appeared in many movies and is considered to be one of the main tourist attractions of the city.
- The bridge was renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965, after the famous Bengali poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
- The bridge has survived several natural calamities such as cyclones and earthquakes, and has become a symbol of the resilience and strength of the people of Kolkata.
- Howrah Bridge is also known for its stunning night-time views, as it is illuminated by more than 2,000 lights that create a beautiful visual spectacle.
Howrah Bridge Construction:
The construction of Howrah Bridge in Kolkata, India began in 1936 and was completed in 1943, during World War II. The bridge was built to replace the old pontoon bridge that connected the two banks of the Hooghly River, which was inadequate to handle the increasing traffic between the two important cities of Kolkata and Howrah.
The construction of the Howrah Bridge was a monumental engineering feat, and it was considered to be the largest cantilever bridge in the world at the time of its construction. The project was headed by Sir Bradford Leslie, a British civil engineer, and was carried out by the Indian construction company, Braithwaite, Burn & Jessop Construction Company Limited.
The construction of the bridge was faced with numerous challenges, including the strong tidal currents of the Hooghly River, which made the work dangerous and difficult. The workers had to brave dangerous conditions and work long hours to complete the bridge on time.
The bridge was made entirely of steel, with no nuts and bolts used in its construction. Instead, it was held together by rivets, which were commonly used in the early 20th century. The bridge has a total length of 705 meters and a width of 71 feet, with two main 325-meter spans that are supported by two 90-meter anchor arms.
After the completion of the bridge, it became a symbol of pride for the people of Kolkata and an important landmark of the city. Today, the Howrah Bridge is considered to be an engineering marvel and a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the people who built it.
Maintainence Of Howrah Bridge:
Howrah Bridge, being an iconic landmark and an important transportation link in Kolkata, requires regular maintenance to ensure its safety and longevity. Here are some ways in which the bridge is maintained:
- Regular inspection: Howrah Bridge is inspected regularly by a team of engineers and maintenance workers to check for any signs of damage or deterioration. This includes a visual inspection, as well as non-destructive testing to check for any structural defects.
- Cleaning: The bridge is cleaned regularly to remove any debris or dirt that may accumulate on it. This is important to prevent any damage to the surface of the bridge and to maintain its appearance.
- Painting: The bridge is painted regularly to protect the steel structure from corrosion and to maintain its aesthetic appeal. The painting process involves sandblasting the surface to remove any rust or old paint, followed by the application of a primer and several coats of paint.
- Replacement of damaged parts: If any part of the bridge is found to be damaged or deteriorated, it is repaired or replaced immediately to prevent any further damage or potential safety hazards.
- Upgrades: The bridge is also upgraded from time to time to improve its functionality and safety. For instance, the lighting system of the bridge was upgraded to LED lights in 2018, making it more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Overall, regular maintenance and upkeep of Howrah Bridge are essential to ensure its continued operation and safety. The maintenance work is carried out by the Kolkata Port Trust, which is responsible for the upkeep of the bridge.
Conclusion:
Today, Howrah Bridge is a famous landmark and an iconic symbol of Kolkata, and it has appeared in many movies. The bridge is known for its stunning night-time views, as it is illuminated by more than 2,000 lights that create a beautiful visual spectacle. Regular maintenance and upkeep of the bridge are essential to ensure its continued operation and safety. The maintenance work is carried out by the Kolkata Port Trust, which is responsible for the upkeep of the bridge. Overall, Howrah Bridge is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the people who built it, and it continues to be an important transportation link and a source of pride for the people of Kolkata.