Ever wondered how Kolkata connects to Howrah? Let’s explore the iconic Howrah Bridge Replica. It stands as a testament to engineering marvel and Kolkata’s vibrant spirit.
The Howrah Bridge Replica mirrors the original’s grandeur. The real Howrah Bridge links Kolkata and Howrah over the Hooghly River. It is often called “The Gateway of Kolkata”. The original bridge replaced an older pontoon bridge in 1943. It was then called the New Howrah Bridge. In 1965, it was renamed Rabindra Setu. This honored Rabindranath Tagore, the famous poet.
The Howrah Bridge is famous for many reasons. It appears in numerous movies. These include “Do Bigha Zamin”, “Amar Prem”, and “Barfi!”. Its construction is also noteworthy. It easily connects two districts. The sunsets seen from nearby ghats are beautiful.
Interestingly, the Howrah Bridge Replica reflects a structure built without nuts and bolts. The original bridge used rivets to hold everything together. About 26,500 tons of steel were used. Tata Steel supplied 23,000 tons of high-tensile alloy steel called Tiscrom. England provided only 3,000 tons of steel. Mr. Walton designed the Howrah Bridge. The construction was awarded to Braithwaite, Burn & Jessop Construction Co. The entire project cost ₹25 million. The government avoided a formal opening due to war fears. A solitary tram was the first vehicle to cross it.
When it was built, the Howrah Bridge was the third-longest cantilever bridge. Now, it is the sixth-longest. It has a 564-foot suspended span. Daily, it handles over 4 lakh pedestrians and 3 lakh vehicles. The Kolkata Port Trust maintains the bridge. The eastern end has wheels to accommodate metal expansion in summer.
Imagine the bustling traffic. Picture the countless pedestrians. Feel the energy of Kolkata flowing through this steel giant. The Howrah Bridge Replica symbolizes this constant motion.
Visiting the Howrah Bridge Replica offers a glimpse into history. It shows engineering ingenuity. Come in the late afternoon. Experience the bridge during both daylight and night. The minimalist lighting at night creates a heavenly view. The Howrah Bridge remains open 24 hours.
Nearby attractions include Ramkrishna Ghat. You can also visit Millenium Park. Princep Ghat is another option. Eden Garden and Victoria Memorial are worth seeing. The Smaranika Tram Museum is nearby. The RBI Museum and Botanical Garden are great too. Consider Belur Math and Dakhineswar Temple.
The Howrah Bridge Replica stands as more than steel. It embodies Kolkata’s spirit. Its story connects history, culture, and human endeavor. It is a testament of Kolkata. Its design and enduring presence captivate all who visit.