Howrah Bridge - Kolkata, India

Howrah Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Kolkata. Apart from being an important transportation link, this engineering marvel has also become a popular attraction for visitors to the city.

The construction of the bridge began in 1937, during a period when cantilever bridges were widely built around the world. Following this engineering style, the bridge was also constructed as a cantilever bridge across the Hooghly River, connecting Kolkata with the city of Howrah on the opposite bank. Because it replaced an earlier floating bridge, it was initially referred to as the New Howrah Bridge.

In 1965, the bridge was officially renamed Rabindra Setu in honour of Rabindranath Tagore. However, even today most people continue to refer to it simply as the Howrah Bridge.

Apart from this famous bridge built during the British period, there are three other bridges across the Hooghly River in the Kolkata region: Vidyasagar Setu, Vivekananda Setu, and Nivedita Setu.

Among them, Vidyasagar Setu is often called the Second Howrah Bridge, as it was the next major bridge constructed across the river after the original Howrah Bridge. It is also notable for being one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in India.

Together, these bridges form important lifelines connecting the two sides of the river while also contributing to the distinctive skyline of Kolkata.

Happy travelling.

Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge

Vidyasagar Setu