Howrah Bridge

A vast steel span thronged day and night.

• 1The steel spanA huge riveted cantilever.
• 2The HooghlyThe busy river below.
• 3Flower marketThe colourful market beneath it.
• 4River launchesFerries with bridge views.

Key facts and figures — every data point links to its source.

Howrah Bridge spans the Hooghly river. It was built from 1936. It opened in 1943.

It is a huge cantilever bridge. Its total length is 705 metres. Its central span is 457 metres.

It stands 82 metres tall. It used about 26,500 tonnes of steel. It carries no nuts or bolts.

The whole bridge is riveted. Tata Steel supplied the metal. It has held for over eighty years.

It was renamed in 1965. Rabindra Setu honours Tagore. Most still call it Howrah Bridge.

It is among the world's busiest. About 100,000 vehicles cross daily. So do thousands on foot.

Howrah Bridge is Kolkata's emblem. It leaps the Hooghly river. It links the city and Howrah.

It is a cantilever giant. Its central span is 457 metres. It rises 82 metres high.

It was riveted, not bolted. Tata steel built it. It has held since 1943.

It is among the world's busiest. Vast crowds cross on foot. Traffic pours across all day.

Photography on it is restricted. Shoot it from the riverbank. A boat gives the best angle.

A flower market lies beneath. It is one of Asia's largest. Dawn is its liveliest hour.

The bridge is Kolkata's symbol. It vaults the Hooghly river. It links the city and Howrah.

It is a cantilever colossus. Its span leaps 457 metres. It carries no bolts at all.

Tata steel built it. Rivets hold it together. It has stood since 1943.

It never seems to sleep. Crowds cross on foot. Traffic roars all day.

Photos on it are barred. Shoot from the riverbank. A boat gives the best view.

A flower market lies below. Dawn is its busiest hour. It is a riot of colour.

Ferries slip beneath the span. They cross to Howrah Station. The view up is superb.

Trams once ran across it. That stopped in 1993. Only road traffic remains now.

Sources: Howrah Bridge — Wikipedia · West Bengal Tourism.

Sources: Howrah Bridge — Wikipedia · West Bengal Tourism.

🚦 Ways to travel

View it from the ghats or a river launch. Howrah Station sits at one end.

Base yourself in Kolkata to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Kolkata guide for the best areas.

• 1🎫 TicketsFree for Indian visitors.
• 2🕒 TimingsOpen 24/7 as a public bridge.
• 3🚫 ClosingOpen all week.
• 4🌤️ Best timeSunrise or dusk, viewed from the riverbank.
• 5🧭 Getting thereLinks Kolkata and Howrah.
• 6🗺️ Plan withOur Kolkata guide.

Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.

• 1Dress modestlyCover shoulders and knees at shrines.
• 2Remove footwearTake off shoes where required.
• 3Ask before photosSeek consent before photographing people.
• 4Leave no traceCarry litter out. Do not touch carvings.
• 5Use licensed guidesHire official, badged guides only.

Pair Howrah Bridge with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.

• 1Victoria MemorialA short hop away, worth adding.
• 2Dakshineswar Kali TempleA short hop away, worth adding.
• 3Kolkata guideA short hop away, worth adding.

Keep exploring around Kolkata.