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This is popularly known by all and sundry as the
'Howrah Bridge'. It is the fourth bridge erected over the river Ganga
(Hooghly). Towards a little south of the present bridge, was constructed the first;
'Howrah Pool'. This was the first rapport between the twin cities of Calcutta and
Howrah. Built in 1874, it cost RS. 34,11,450. It had two portions. For the convenient plying of man and traffic, the pool was connected as a whole. However, this was unfastened everyday, particularly during night for steamers, boats and other aquatic vehicles to ply. From 19th August,
1879, the bridge was illuminated by fixing electric poles at the
centre. This was done by using the electricity rendered from the dynamo at the Mallick Ghat Pumping Station. The
Bridge was then 1528 ft. long and 62 ft. wide. On both sides were pavements 7 ft. wide for
the sake of pedestrians. The 48 ft. road in between, was for plying of
traffic.
The new 'Howrah Bridge' was inaugurated in 1942 which cost an estimated
Rs. 333
crores. The Howrah Bridge is a sort of 'Cantilever bridge'. In it cantilevers
project from piers and are connected by girders. It is 500 ft. in length and 41 ft. in width. Over the bridge, eight rows of vehicles can
ply at a time.
The Howrah Bridge or Rabindra Setu can also be regarded as the 'Gateway of Calcutta'.
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