After 40 Years, Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge Is Up For Its 1st Health Check-Up, It Will Be Closed On These Dates

The famous Howrah Bridge in Kolkata is 81 years old.

by Vrinda Arora
After 40 Years, Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge Is Up For Its 1st Health Check-Up, It Will Be Closed On These Dates

Kolkata is known for its iconic Howrah Bridge. Another name for this magnificent 81-year-old Howrah Bridge is Rabindra Setu. In order to conduct a thorough health examination, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) in Kolkata has declared that traffic will be prohibited on the Howrah Bridge, which connects Kolkata and Howrah. The health check-up is scheduled for November 16, Saturday and November 17, Sunday for five intervening night hours.

An Insight Into Howrah Bridge’s Health Check-Up

The Howrah Bridge’s conservator, Kolkata’s SMP, is in charge of its upkeep and improvements. After 40 years of operation, the Howrah Bridge will get a new health examination from RITES Ltd., a public sector organisation in charge of bridge maintenance. An SMP official in Kolkata mentioned that the bridge’s most recent examination took place between 1983 and 1988, as reported by NDTV.

howrah bridge kolkata
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

According to an NDTV report, an official explained that because of its high traffic volume, the Howrah Bridge, a famous structure in Kolkata, needs a thorough examination. For tourists, the Howrah Bridge is a must-see location in Kolkata. Numerous artists and filmmakers have also depicted it in their works of art or motion pictures. This bridge was commissioned in 1943, during World War II.

Also Read: Kolkata Green Line-2: Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Stretch Metro Services Will Now Run On Sunday Too; Details Inside

More About This Iconic Bridge In Kolkata

Although the Vidyasagar Setu Bridge has been built over the Hooghly River, the Howrah Bridge, a suspension-type symmetrical cantilever framework, is still one of the busiest and sixth longest bridges in the world. An estimated 100,000 cars and 1,50,000 pedestrians cross the bridge every day, making it an important transit corridor. The busy Howrah train station, which is still a crucial entryway to Kolkata, is next to the bridge, adding to its allure.

howrah bridge
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The bridge’s construction demonstrated that the Indian industry was capable of producing high-quality tensile steel even under British authority. At first, steel was shipped from England, but the supply was halted because of war efforts. A major milestone was then reached when Tata Steel manufactured the necessary quality tensile steel.

In addition to expressing pride in the Howrah Bridge, which was constructed during colonial rule using premium steel from an Indian producer, the official also expressed the hope that the bridge would continue to function for many more years, as reported by NDTV.

Also Read: Kolkata Airport Reports 18 Bird Strikes In 11 Months; Authorities Discuss Actions To Mitigate Risks

Have you ever travelled by Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge?

Cover Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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First Published: November 16, 2024 5:59 PM