History of Vidyasagar Setu, Kolkata

This is just a short history of World’s Third Largest Cable-Stayed bridge, Vidyasagar Setu or popularly known as Second Hooghly Bridge.

Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is a bridge, which is standing over the Hooghly River in West Bengal. It is located 2kms to the South of Howrah Bridge to reduce the vehicular pressure from the latter. This Setu acts as a vital link between Kolkata and Howrah. This Setu is the Asia's largest and the world's 3rd largest cable stayed bridge.

History of second Hoogly bridge, Vidyasagar Setu in Kolkata

After India's Independence commercial activity and population all over India increased rapidly. At that time there was only one Bridge in WestBengal, namely Howrah Bridge, which is acting as one major link connecting Howrah and Kolkata. It was seen that there was heavy traffic through it and the bridge was simply overburdened with tremendous traffic. It was then decided to build a second bridge over the Hooghly River to decrease this burden and to make a 2nd link to Howrah. Thus the 2nd Hooghly Bridge was born.

It was erected in the year 1992. The foundation stone for the bridge was laid by Indira Gandhi on May 20, 1972. It took 22 long yrs to transform this Setu into an operational Bridge. The Setu is believed to have incurred a considerable cost of Rs388/crore.

Facts about 2nd Hooghly Bridge, Vidya sagar Setu, Kolkata

• This bridge is named after the 19th Century Bengali Educationalist Reformer of Bengal Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Thus it is also called as Vidyasagar Setu.
• It is a toll bridge.
• It is supported by 121 wire cables with a span of 457 meters.
• The bridge can handle more than 85000 vehicles a day.
• It is also considered as one of the outstanding attractions of West Bengal and receives hundreds of visitors every year.

Because of Vidyasagar Setu, Howrah Bridge has been relieved from the ever increasing traffic rush. Now we can enjoy a hassle free journey.