Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu, is an iconic cantilever truss bridge over the Hooghly River in West Bengal and a major landmark of Kolkata. Opened to traffic in February 1943, it was constructed entirely by riveting without the use of nuts or bolts. The bridge is one of the busiest in India, handling approximately 150,000 vehicles and 4 million pedestrians daily. Its design reflects both engineering brilliance and historical significance.
The bridge features a central span of 1,500 feet between the main towers, with cantilever arms measuring 468 feet each and anchor arms of 325 feet. The suspended span stretches 564 feet, making it one of the longest of its kind in the world. Construction of the bridge began in 1937, and it played a crucial role during World War II. Today, Howrah Bridge stands as a symbol of strength and connectivity in India’s infrastructure.