Vidyasagar Setu
Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is a cable-stayed toll bridge spanning the Hooghly River and connecting Kolkata with Howrah in West Bengal, India.[1]
The structure features two steel pylons rising 127.62 meters above the river and is supported by 121 cables arranged in a fan configuration.[2]
With a total length of 823 meters and a main span of 457 meters, it held the distinction of being India's longest cable-stayed bridge upon its opening.[3][4]
Construction commenced on 3 July 1979 under the design of German firm Schlaich Bergermann & Partner and a consortium including Indian companies Braithwaite, Burn, and Jessop, culminating in its inauguration on 10 October 1992 by then-Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao.[5][6]
Named after the 19th-century social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, the bridge alleviated congestion on the older Howrah Bridge and facilitated enhanced connectivity between the twin cities.[4][1]
Its elegant design and role in urban infrastructure have made it an iconic landmark, often illuminated at night and featured in local tourism.[4]