Howrah Bridge, Kolkata

Howrah Bridge, an iconic landmark of Kolkata, India, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess and historical significance of the region. Officially known as the Rabindra Setu, after the revered Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, this bridge is a massive steel structure that gracefully arcs over the Hooghly River.

Constructed during the British colonial era and opened to the public in 1943, Howrah Bridge was built to provide a crucial link between the bustling Howrah Station and the city of Kolkata. It is one of the world's busiest cantilever bridges, with a daily traffic of over 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians.

Spanning an impressive length of 705 meters and a width of 21.6 meters, the bridge's design is particularly noteworthy for not having any piers in the river, thus aiding in the unobstructed flow of the Hooghly River below. The Howrah Bridge is a brilliant example of engineering at a time when computer-aided design tools were non-existent. The entire structure is made from high-tensile steel and was constructed by riveting the whole structure without using nuts and bolts.

Not only is it a critical artery of transportation, connecting the two cities, but Howrah Bridge also serves as a cultural and historical symbol for the people of Kolkata. The bridge has been featured in numerous Indian films and literary works, further cementing its status as an emblem of the city's heritage.

Accessible to pedestrians and vehicles, the bridge offers stunning views of the river and the city, especially at dawn and dusk when the soft hues of the sky reflect off the waters below. The sight of the colossal steel framework against the Kolkata skyline is a photographer's delight and a constant draw for tourists.