The Howrah Bridge, officially renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965, is a massive balanced cantilever bridge spanning the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India. It connects the twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata and stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Architectural Marvel
Completed in 1943, the bridge was a feat of engineering for its time and remains unique for several reasons:
No Nuts or Bolts: The entire structure is held together by rivets. It consumed approximately 26,500 tons of steel, the majority of which was supplied by Tata Steel.
Suspension Type: It is a balanced cantilever bridge with a central span of 1,500 feet (about 457 meters) between the two main towers.
The Missing Pylons: Unlike many large bridges, it does not have any intermediate pylons sinking into the riverbed. This was a deliberate design choice to avoid disrupting the heavy silt and tidal flow of the Hooghly River.
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Everything was seamless and well-organized. The guide was engaging, the activities were fun, and the food was delicious.
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The guide was friendly, and the stops were well-planned and enjoyable. The scenery was breathtaking. Highly recommend!
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The itinerary was perfect, with a great mix of adventure and relaxation. The guide’s enthusiasm made it even more enjoyable.