Contemporary Drawing Biennials Draw Global Crowds
January 14, 2026
The Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu, is not just an engineering feat but a cultural symbol. Commissioned in 1943, it was built to handle increasing traffic between Howrah and Kolkata without interrupting the flow of ships on the Hooghly River.
Constructed using over 26,000 tons of steel, the bridge is held together without a single nut or bolt. It is a cantilever design, 705 meters long, and was the third-longest of its kind at the time of construction.
The bridge replaced a floating pontoon bridge and played a crucial role during World War II. Today, it supports more than 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians daily.
Beyond its utility, Howrah Bridge is a cinematic and cultural icon. Featured in numerous Bollywood and Bengali films, it symbolizes resilience and connectivity.
Standing beneath it, one can’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship and foresight that went into building it. It is not just a bridge—it is the lifeline of two cities, woven into the fabric of their identity.
