Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge crosses the Hooghly River between Kolkata and Howrah and is one of the best-known sights of the city. It is a steel cantilever bridge, held together with rivets rather than nuts and bolts, and it is often described as the busiest bridge of its kind in the world. Seen at sunrise or lit up at night, its frame is a classic image of Kolkata.

The Bengal government first proposed a crossing here in 1862, and for many years an earlier pontoon bridge did the job. Construction of the present structure started in 1936, and the bridge was opened on 3 February 1943, during the Second World War, when a strong river crossing had become urgent.

The design combines cantilever and suspension principles to give a stiff, durable span. It carries a constant stream of vehicles and people between the two cities.