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The city of joy and the cultural capital of India, Kolkata is one of the first places in India where commercialisation and modernisation happened. Therefore, it is also referred to as one of the oldest metropolitan cities in the country. Today, Kolkata is a major commercial, educational and cultural hub, and hence it attracts millions of tourists every year. But there are still several places in this age-old city which remain unexplored throughout the year. How about getting yourself to such veiled and unexplored places?
If yes, then you must plan a tour of its beautiful bridges which not only narrate their history of architecture but also magnify the overall charm of Kolkata. All of these bridges are built across Hooghly river and are known for their beautiful structure. You must not miss visiting them and capturing their beauty. Read on to know more about them.
Howrah Bridge
The list has to start with Howrah Bridge; after all, it is one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world. Constructed in the year 1942, this architectural masterpiece has become a synonym to Kolkata and is one of the most popular and recognisable buildings in the country. Today, it holds the daily traffic of more than 10000 vehicles and 150000 pedestrians. Therefore, it wouldn't be wrong to call it the busiest bridge in India.
With a suspended span over Hooghly river, Howrah Bridge has its beauty touching its peak after it gets illuminated with colourful lights at night. You must not miss this incredible beauty if you are really into exploring the grandeur of Kolkata. Howrah Bridge is also known as Rabindra Setu.
Vivekananda Setu
Another bridge overlooking the beauty of Hooghly river and enhancing the charm of Kolkata, Vivekananda Setu, otherwise known as Bally Bridge, was built in the year 1931 and is one of the oldest bridges in the country which serve both rail and road. With the total length of more than 850 m, it links Kolkata to its twin town, Howrah.
As of now, this beautiful bridge handles a daily traffic of more than 24000 vehicles. The major reason why you must visit Vivekananda Setu lies in its decades-old architecture, on account of which it is popular amongst several history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
Nivedita Setu
Do you know Nivedita Setu, also known as Second Bally Bridge, is India's first multi-span and single-plane cable-supported bridge? Opened in the year 2007, Nivedita Setu was constructed to reduce the traffic on Vivekananda Setu, which has become weak over a period of time and is irreparable.
Hence, it is built parallel to Vivekananda Setu and has a total length of about 2900 feet. Due to its incredible architecture and commendable design, it is often referred to as the wonder of an architecture.
Wouldn't you love to witness the beauty of such an amazing masterpiece? The bridge has the capacity of handling about 48000 vehicles per day. If you are looking forward to capturing its beauty at its peak, then do visit it at night when the entire bridge gets illuminated with beautiful lights.
Sampreeti Bridge
One of the newly built bridges across Hooghly river, Sampreeti Bridge was constructed as an alternative to Jubilee Bridge, which had become weak and is abandoned now. Sampreeti Bridge has a total length of more than 400 m and provides its visitors with a commanding view of the river and the nearby settlement.
Even though there is not much to explore here, you can still spend a beautiful time capturing the magnificent views of Kolkata from the top of the bridge. If you possess some interest in architecture, then also you can add Sampreeti Bridge on your list while travelling to Kolkata.
Vidyasagar Setu
If there is any bridge in Kolkata which can give a serious competition to Howrah Bridge in terms of beauty, then it is certainly Vidyasagar Setu. It was built in the year 1992 and has a total length of more than 820 m. It is also the longest cable-stayed bridge in the country. Also known as Second Hooghly Bridge, this magnificent marvel must be witnessed by every traveller and tourist.
So, this was the list of topmost beautiful bridges in Kolkata. Don't you think they really deserve to be explored on account of their history and architectural beauty now?
