Howrah bridge

The Howrah Bridge seen in the early morning the fills visitors with a sense of awe and respect.

If you have ever been to Kolkata, chances are you have crossed, or at least admired, the iconic Howrah Bridge. Stretching across the Hooghly River, this massive steel structure is more than just a bridge. It is a lifeline, a landmark, and a living symbol of the city's spirit. For locals, it connects two bustling worlds - Howrah and Kolkata - carrying thousands of cars, buses, and pedestrians every single day.

For travellers, it is a moment of awe: a steel giant that captures the essence of Bengal's capital in one sweeping glance. But beneath its daily hustle lies a story of engineering brilliance, wartime resilience, and cultural pride. Here are six incredible facts about Howrah Bridge that reveal why it is so much more than a crossing over water.

No Nuts And Bolts Used: One of the most jaw-dropping facts? The Howrah Bridge was built without a single nut or bolt. Instead, it was entirely riveted together, a technique that made it stronger and more durable. This was cutting-edge engineering in the 1940s, and it still holds up today, despite decades of heavy traffic and unpredictable weather.

A Dream That Took Decades: The idea of building a bridge over the Hooghly River was first proposed in 1906, but construction only began in 1936. It finally opened to the public in 1943, right in the middle of World War II. By then, it was hailed as an architectural marvel. And even today, it continues to impress engineers and travellers alike Howrah Bridge is not just historic; it is incredibly active. Every day, it carries over 100,000 vehicles and nearly 150,000 pedestrians, making it one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world. What is even more remarkable? It does all this without any supporting pylons in the river, allowing ships and ferries to pass freely beneath.

Built With Indian Steel: The bridge was constructed using around 26,500 tons of steel, most of it supplied by Tata Steel in Jamshedpur. At a time when India was still under British rule, this was a proud moment for Indian industry. Today, the bridge still stands tall as a symbol of homegrown engineering excellence.

© Rajat Ghosh, stock footage / pictures available for licensing

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