Vidyasagar Setu
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 Minutes to 1 HourPlace Type:
Architectural Landmark / BridgeEntry 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.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.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 MorePrinsep 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
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...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 use the approach roads and footpaths for early morning exercise due to the fresh air from the river.
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...
Show AllRestaurants
● 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...
Show AllInformation
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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. -
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. -
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...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 connected to the AJC Bose Road in Kolkata and the Kona Expressway in Howrah.
By Local Transport: Numerous buses from Esplanade, Gariahat, and Behala ply across the bridge. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter (October to March): Clear skies provide the best visibility for the long-distance views of the city.
Monsoon (July to August): The dramatic clouds and the overflowing river create a powerful visual experience.
Read MoreWinter (October to March): Clear skies provide the best visibility for the long-distance views of the city.
Monsoon (July to August): The dramatic clouds and the overflowing river create a powerful visual experience.
Time of Day: Late evening when the traffic is slightly less and the lights are fully functional.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...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: Stay in the Hastings or Alipore area for easy access to the bridge.
Other: Try the local 'Jhalmuri' sold at the Prinsep Ghat entrance after your bridge walk.
Reviews
FAQs
Ans:- During its design phase, the bridge was subjected to extensive prototype wind tunnel tests at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. These tests ensured that the cable-stayed structure could withstand the high-velocity winds and cyclonic conditions often experienced in the Bay of Bengal region. The steel pylons and the dead-load composite deck are engineered to maintain stability even during severe weather, ensuring the safety of thousands of commuters.Ans:- It is called the Second Hooghly Bridge because it was the second major bridge built across the Hooghly River in the Kolkata metropolitan area, following the iconic Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu). While the Howrah Bridge connects central Kolkata to Howrah Station, Vidyasagar Setu provides a vital link between the southern parts of Kolkata and the Kona Expressway, helping to significantly reduce traffic congestion.Ans:- The bridge connects the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah. On the Kolkata side, it links to the area near Prinsep Ghat and Hastings, while on the Howrah side, it connects directly to the Kona Expressway. This connection is vital for travelers heading toward Mumbai or Delhi via National Highway 16, as it bypasses the more congested city centers and provides a direct route to the suburbs.Ans:- The bridge was designed by the renowned German firm Schlaich Bergermann & Partner. The technical aspects and construction were checked and supervised by Freeman Fox & Partners and Bharat Bhari Udyog Nigam Limited. The actual construction was carried out by a consortium led by Braithwaite, Burn & Jessop (BBJ). This international collaboration ensured that the bridge met global standards for cable-stayed structures and wind resistance.Ans:- The bridge was designed to handle a capacity of approximately 85,000 vehicles per day. It features six lanes of traffic (three in each direction), allowing for a smooth flow of heavy vehicles, buses, and private cars. This high capacity was essential to alleviate the extreme pressure on the older Howrah Bridge, which had previously been the primary artery for all traffic crossing the river.Ans:- The construction of Vidyasagar Setu took over 20 years to complete, with the foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1972. The bridge was finally commissioned and opened to traffic on October 10, 1992. Despite the long construction period, it was a landmark achievement for the Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners (HRBC) and the various engineering firms involved in its design and execution.Ans:- The historic Prinsep Ghat is located right at the base of Vidyasagar Setu on the Kolkata bank. This 19th-century monument, with its Greek-style columns, provides a sharp architectural contrast to the modern engineering of the bridge. The area around Prinsep Ghat is a popular recreational spot with landscaped gardens, food stalls, and boating facilities, making it the best place for tourists to admire the bridge.Ans:- The total cost of constructing Vidyasagar Setu was approximately ₹3.88 billion (388 crore rupees). At the time of its completion in 1992, this was a massive investment for the state and central governments. When adjusted for inflation today, the cost would be significantly higher, reflecting the scale of the materials used, including 13,200 tonnes of structural steel and specialized high-tensile cables imported for the project.Ans:- Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is a cable-stayed bridge with a total length of 823 meters (approximately 2,700 feet). It was the first bridge of its kind in India and remains one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Asia. The bridge features a main span of 457.2 meters and is supported by 121 cables in a fan arrangement, showcasing remarkable structural engineering.Ans:- While there are narrow footpaths on both sides, walking across the entire bridge can be quite strenuous due to its length and the high speed of passing traffic. Most tourists prefer to take photographs from Prinsep Ghat, which is located directly beneath the bridge on the Kolkata side. The view from the ghat offers a spectacular perspective of the bridge’s cables and pylons, especially during sunset and when it is illuminated at night.Ans:- Yes, there is a vertical clearance of approximately 26 meters (about 85 feet) below the bridge during high tide. This clearance allows most medium-sized vessels and river cruises to pass safely. This was a critical design requirement, as the Hooghly River is an active waterway for commercial shipping and the Kolkata Port Trust operations, necessitating that the bridge does not obstruct the flow of maritime traffic.Ans:- Yes, Vidyasagar Setu is a toll bridge for motorized vehicles. There are toll plazas located on the Howrah side of the bridge. However, in a unique move to promote eco-friendly transport, the bridge features dedicated lanes for bicycles, and cyclists are allowed to cross free of charge. Pedestrians can also use the narrow footpaths on either side of the bridge to enjoy the view.Kolkata Itineray And Cost:-
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