Howrah Bridge, Cantilever steel bridge over the Hooghly River in Kolkata, India
Howrah Bridge is a balanced cantilever steel bridge over the Hooghly River linking Kolkata with Howrah, with a central span of 1,500 feet between the centres of the main towers and a suspended span of 564 feet. Its two cross-braced steel towers rise 280 feet above the monoliths, and the pale grey trusses carry a road deck with railings and pedestrian walkways.
Built between 1937 and 1943, the crossing replaced an older pontoon arrangement that could no longer handle growing traffic. Construction followed decades of planning that began in the 19th century when engineers first proposed a permanent link across the river.
Vendors, commuters and street traders cross from dawn to dusk, turning the structure into a living artery of daily urban life. Early mornings and late evenings bring crowds from both riverbanks who rely on the crossing as part of their regular routines.
The crossing remains open to vehicles and pedestrians at all hours, with morning and evening commutes marking the busiest periods. Pedestrians use the side walkways, which offer clear views of the river and activity along both banks.
The entire assembly uses no bolts or nuts, relying solely on rivets to hold the framework together. This approach gave the framework a resilience that has endured decades of heavy use and changing weather conditions.
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