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Vidyasagar Setu

Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Vidyasagar Setu, popularly known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is a monumental cable-stayed bridge that links the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah. Named after the legendary 19th-century social reformer and polymath Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, it is one of the longest bridges of its kind in Asia. The bridge was commissioned in 1992 to ease the heavy traffic congestion on the historic Howrah Bridge. Built at a staggering cost of INR 3.88 billion, it is an engineering marvel that has become a defining part of Kolkata's skyline. The bridge carries the Kona Expressway and serves as a vital link to the national highways leading to Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. Unlike the cantilever design of the old Howrah Bridge, Vidyasagar Setu utilizes a modern cable-stayed design with high-tension steel wires supporting the deck from massive pylons. The view from the bridge is breath-taking, offering a panoramic vista of the Hooghly River, the Prinsep Ghat, and the lush greenery of the Maidan. At night, the bridge is beautifully illuminated, making it a favorite spot for photographers and evening commuters. It spans a total length of 823 meters and has the capacity to handle over 85,000 vehicles daily. The bridge is under the maintenance of the Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners (HRBC). For the people of Kolkata, it is not just a transport link but a symbol of the city’s modernization and architectural progress. Walking on the pedestrian path of the bridge allows one to feel the vibration of the heavy traffic and the cool breeze from the river below, providing a unique sensory experience.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    30 Minutes to 1 Hour
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    Place Type:
    Architectural Landmark / Bridge
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    Entry Fees:
    Toll for Vehicles: Two-wheelers are usually free; cars pay around INR 10 to 20 for a single trip.

    Pedestrians: Free access to the footpaths. ...
    Toll for Vehicles: Two-wheelers are usually free; cars pay around INR 10 to 20 for a single trip.

    Pedestrians: Free access to the footpaths.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: Open 24 Hours.

    Ideal Visit Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for the sunset and the switching on of the decorative lights. ...
    Regular Timings: Open 24 Hours.

    Ideal Visit Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for the sunset and the switching on of the decorative lights.
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    Special Events:
    Illumination on Holidays: On Republic Day and Independence Day, the bridge is lit up in tricolor lights.

    Marathons: The bridge often serves as a key route for city-wide marathons and cycle rallies. ...
    Illumination on Holidays: On Republic Day and Independence Day, the bridge is lit up in tricolor lights.

    Marathons: The bridge often serves as a key route for city-wide marathons and cycle rallies.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Prinsep Ghat: The most famous spot where you can frame the white monument of Prinsep with the bridge in the background.

    Mid-Bridge Footpath: Offers a straight-line perspective of the cables and the receding traffic.

    Read More
    Prinsep Ghat: The most famous spot where you can frame the white monument of Prinsep with the bridge in the background.

    Mid-Bridge Footpath: Offers a straight-line perspective of the cables and the receding traffic.

    River Boat: Taking a boat from the ghat allows you to shoot the bridge from a low angle, highlighting its massive height.

Photo Gallery

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Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Drive Across: Experience a smooth drive over the river with a spectacular view of the city's landmarks.

    Walk the Footpath: Take a stroll on the pedestrian walkway to enjoy the river breeze and watch the boats below.

    Photography: Capture the bridge during the "Golden Hour" (sunset) for the best lighting effects.

    Prinsep Ghat Visit: Combine your trip with a visit to the ghat located at the base of the bridge for a boat ride.

    River Watching: Spend time looking at the various cargo ships and local ferries navigating the Hooghly River.

    Evening Illumination: Wait for the lights to come on at night to see the bridge glow against the dark sky.

    Morning Jog: Many locals u...

Hotels

● Aster Guest House


Address: 16B, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 2.6 km

Details: A simple and friendly guesthouse in the city center. Offers clean rooms with essential facilities, making it a budget-conscious yet convenient choice ...

● Camac West Homestay


Address: Park Street Area, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 5.4 km

Details: A cozy, home-style accommodation. Offers private, well-furnished rooms in a peaceful residential setting. Ideal for guests who prefer a quiet environm...

● Hotel Emirates


Address: Dharmatala, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 2.6 km

Details: A quiet and spacious hotel in the central district. Offers comfortable, no-frills rooms and prompt service, suitable for travelers needing a peaceful ...

● Hotel Park Victoria


Address: Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 2.6 km

Details: A well-maintained mid-range hotel. Provides comfortable room standards and basic amenities for travelers. Its location ensures easy access to transpor...

● Lytton Hotel


Address: 14/1, Sudder St, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Distance: 4.9 km

Details: A long-standing, well-known hotel in the heart of the city. Features comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant serving traditional delicacies, and esse...

● Polo Floatel


Address: 9, Strand Rd, B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001

Distance: 5.4 km

Details: A unique, floating hotel on the Hooghly River. Features stylish cabin-style rooms, a restaurant with river views, and a lounge. Provides a memorable a...

● Red Arrow Residency


Address: 238B, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 2.7 km

Details: A comfortable mid-range residency offering a home-like feel. It features well-equipped, quiet rooms and breakfast services. Highly suitable for group ...

● Regenta Orko's Kolkata


Address: Kasba, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 14.7 km

Details: A modern, well-equipped hotel offering comfortable amenities. Includes a restaurant, business center, and gym. Suitable for travelers visiting the sou...

● The Elgin Fairlawn


Address: 13A, Sudder St, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Distance: 2.5 km

Details: A charming, boutique heritage hotel known for its antique decor. It provides cozy, well-decorated rooms, a garden area, and a bakery, offering a uniqu...

● The LaLiT Great Eastern


Address: 1, Old Court House St, Esplanade, Kolkata, West Bengal 700069

Distance: 2.6 km

Details: A historic, legendary 5-star hotel. Features luxurious rooms, multiple specialized restaurants, a high-end spa, gym, and heritage architecture. It off...

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Restaurants

● Absolute Barbecues


Address: Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 4.0 KM

Details: Absolute Barbecues is one of the most unique and popular dining destinations in Kolkata. Known for its 'do-it-yourself' grilling concept at the table,...

Food List: Mutton Kebab, Chicken Wings, Grilled Prawns, Panee...

● Bageecha Cafe


Address: Polo Floatel, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 0.5 KM

Details: Bageecha Cafe embodies the soul of Kolkata with its nostalgic charm and peaceful atmosphere. Situated by the Ganges, it is a vegetarian sanctuary wher...

Food List: Masala Chai, Lemon Tea, Green Tea, Coffee, Samosa,...

● Bridge Bistro Bar


Address: Polo Floatel, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 0.5 KM

Details: Bridge Bistro Bar, located at the iconic Polo Floatel, offers a unique floating dining experience on the Hooghly River. It provides a perfect blend of...

Food List: Seafood Platter, Grilled Fish, Chicken Wings, Nach...

● Chinoiserie (Taj Bengal)


Address: Taj Bengal, Alipore, Kolkata

Distance: 2.5 KM

Details: Chinoiserie is one of the most prestigious Chinese restaurants in Kolkata, renowned for its authentic flavors and luxurious ambiance. Located within t...

Food List: Dim Sum, Spring Rolls, Chilli Chicken, Hakka Noodl...

● Sky Deck


Address: Polo Floatel, Kolkata, West Bengal

Distance: 0.5 KM

Details: Sky Deck is the ultimate rooftop destination at Polo Floatel, offering breathtaking views of the Hooghly River and the city skyline. As dusk deepens, ...

Food List: Seafood, Finger Food, French Fries, Chicken Skewer...

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Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Engineering Feat: It is famous for being the longest cable-stayed bridge in India and one of the finest examples of modern civil engineering in the country.

    Skyline Icon: Along with the Howrah Bridge, it is the most photographed landmark in...
    Engineering Feat: It is famous for being the longest cable-stayed bridge in India and one of the finest examples of modern civil engineering in the country.

    Skyline Icon: Along with the Howrah Bridge, it is the most photographed landmark in Kolkata, often used in movies to represent the city's modern face.
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    Architecture:
    Cable-Stayed Engineering: The bridge features a fan-arrangement of 121 cables that support the main deck. The weight of the bridge is carried by two massive steel pylons.

    Dimensions: The total length is 823 meters (2,700 ft) with a main sp...
    Cable-Stayed Engineering: The bridge features a fan-arrangement of 121 cables that support the main deck. The weight of the bridge is carried by two massive steel pylons.

    Dimensions: The total length is 823 meters (2,700 ft) with a main span of 457 meters. The pylons stand 128 meters (420 ft) high. The deck width is 35 meters, accommodating 6 lanes of traffic and footpaths on both sides. It was constructed using approximately 13,200 tonnes of structural steel.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: From the airport (20 KM), take a taxi via the VIP Road and AJC Bose Road flyover.

    By Train: Howrah Station is located right at one end of the bridge. Shalimar Station is also nearby.

    By Road: It is...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    1. Prinsep Ghat (0. 2 KM), 2. Fort William (1 KM), 3. Victoria Memorial (2 KM), 4. Howrah Station (2 KM), 5. Botanical Garden (4 KM), 6. Eden Gardens (2. 5 KM), 7. St. Paul's Cathedral (3 KM), 8. Birla Planetarium (3 KM), 9. Millennium Park (3 KM), 10. Babughat (2 KM).

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Be careful of high-speed traffic if you are walking on the footpath; stay within the railings.

    Packing: A good camera with a wide-angle lens is a must for this location.

    Accommodation: Sta...

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