Vidyasagar Setu, Cable-stayed bridge over Hooghly River in Kolkata, India.
Description
Vidyasagar Setu is a cable-stayed bridge over the Hooghly River in Kolkata, India, spanning 823 meters and supported by 121 steel cables. The cables run in a fan pattern from two pylons that each rise 127 meters (417 feet) high.
History
Construction began in 1979 and took twenty years to complete, with the crossing opening in 1992 as the first such structure in India. It emerged as a response to growing traffic needs between both banks of the river.
Culture
This crossing honors a social reformer from the nineteenth century who worked for women's education and against child marriage. His influence shaped the region and his name reminds people of the link between engineering progress and social change.
Practical
Six traffic lanes connect both riverbanks, with toll points managing the flow of vehicles. Crossing is generally quick, and traffic moves smoothly even during peak hours without long delays.
Did you know?
The design differs markedly from the nearby Howrah Bridge, which uses a cantilever structure. This modern technique allowed for a slimmer form and showed new possibilities for Indian infrastructure projects.
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