Introduction
Vidyasagar Setu also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge — is one of the most iconic and important bridges in Kolkata, India. It connects the city of Kolkata (Howrah district) on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River with Howrah on the western bank. Below is a detailed explanation of the bridge:
Basic Information
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Official Name: Vidyasagar Setu
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Popular Name: Second Hooghly Bridge
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Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Crosses: Hooghly River
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Connects: Kolkata (east bank) with Howrah (west bank)
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Named After: Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a famous Bengali scholar, reformer, and educator
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Maintained by: Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners (HRBC)
Engineering and Design Details
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Type: Cable-stayed bridge
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Total Length: Around 823 meters (2,700 feet)
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Width: About 35 meters
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Main Span: 457 meters (1,500 feet) – the longest span of any cable-stayed bridge in India at the time of its completion
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Height of Pylons: Around 128 meters (420 feet) above the road deck
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Lanes: 6 lanes for vehicular traffic + footpaths on both sides
🕰️ History and Construction
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Conceptualized: In the 1960s, due to heavy traffic congestion on the old Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu).
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Foundation Stone Laid: 1972
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Construction Period: 1972 – 1992 (20 years)
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Opened to Public: October 10, 1992
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Built By: Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners (HRBC)
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Construction Cost: Approximately ₹388 crores (in 1992)
Structural Features
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The bridge uses modern cable-stayed technology, where cables fan out from tall pylons to support the bridge deck.
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It has 121 pairs of cables made of high-tensile steel, providing both strength and flexibility.
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The structure is supported by deep foundations, driven into the riverbed to withstand water currents and seismic activity.
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The bridge carries vehicular, two-wheeler, and pedestrian traffic, and it is also illuminated at night, creating a beautiful skyline view.
Importance and Utility
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It serves as a major transport link between Kolkata and Howrah, easing pressure on the older Howrah Bridge.
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It connects Kolkata’s central business district (Esplanade and Maidan) with Andul Road, Kona Expressway, and NH-16, which leads to Mumbai and Chennai.
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It plays a key role in trade and daily commuting, carrying more than 85,000 vehicles per day (average).
Aesthetic and Cultural Significance
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Vidyasagar Setu is not just an engineering marvel but also a symbol of modern Kolkata.
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The bridge looks spectacular at night with decorative lights reflecting on the Hooghly River.
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It has been featured in many films, songs, and photographs, symbolizing the blend of tradition and modernity in Bengal.
Interesting Facts
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It was the first cable-stayed bridge in India.
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The design was developed by Hungerford Bridge consultants from the UK and executed with Indian engineers.
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Despite its modern design, the bridge had to overcome numerous technical and political delays before completion.
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It is part of the Golden Quadrilateral Project, connecting major Indian cities through highways.
Viewpoints
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The best views of Vidyasagar Setu can be seen from:
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Princip Ghat
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Millennium Park
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Babu Ghat
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Howrah side riverfront
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Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge) |
| Type | Cable-Stayed Bridge |
| Location | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Crosses | Hooghly River |
| Opened | October 10, 1992 |
| Length | 823 meters |
| Main Span | 457 meters |
| Named After | Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar |
| Purpose | Connects Kolkata and Howrah, major transport route |
