Second Hooghly Bridge (Vidyasagar Setu) Walk

Overview

Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge) is a cable-stayed bridge spanning 823 metres across the Hooghly River. Walking or driving across offers panoramic views of the Kolkata and Howrah skylines.

Highlights

• Engineering landmark: The longest cable-stayed bridge in India at the time of its opening.
• Sunset views: The western-facing walkway offers spectacular sunset panoramas over the river.
• Dual skyline: Views of both Kolkata's colonial waterfront and Howrah's industrial riverbank.

History

Opened in 1992 after over two decades of construction, the bridge was named after Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, the 19th-century Bengali polymath and social reformer.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Walk from the Kolkata approach (Princep Ghat side) for the best views.
• Tip 2: Sunset is the ideal time; the bridge's cables glow in the evening light.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.