| Description: | The majestic Howrah bridge is Kolkata's most famous landmark. Howrah Bridge is often used as a synonym for the city of Kolkata. It's a bridge of stupendous dimensions. The bridge lies suspended on cantilever with a span of 1500 feet. The width of the deck is 71 feet and the two pedestrian paths on either side of the Howrah bridge is 15 feet.
This marvelous engineering feat was built in the year 1943. The primary reason for building this colossal bridge was to link Kolkata with the industrial town of Howrah which was on the other side of river Hooghly. It was felt that a state-of-the-art Howrah bridge linking Kolkata with Howarh would greatly facilitate trade and commerce as far as transportation of goods and services were concerned.
During its initial years, there was provision for plying the charming tram cars over the Howrah Bridge. Nowadays, only vehicular traffic is allowed to ply through the Howarh Bridge.
The true grandeur of this magnificent Howrah bridge can be viewed 24/7. From the wee hours of the morning to well beyond midnight, there is non stop activity in the form of traffic movement. The Howarh Bridge has rightfully earned the distinction of being the busiest bridge in the world.
There are several ways to experience the enigma of Howarh Bridge. One way is of course by embarking on a walking tour of Howrah bridge through the pedestrian footpaths located on either sides of this colossal bridge. The other way is by hiring a boat from the Howrah station jetty and viewing the flood of humanity and vehicular traffic on the move above the Howarh Bridge from a vantage position down below from the boat.
By far, the best time to visit Howrah Bridge is after dusk when the entire city is at its dazzling best. The eerie silence of the river down below, the cool evening breeze and the majestic sweep of the Hooghly river makes for a truly surreal sight. |
