Vidyasagar Setu: Second Bridge of Kolkata on Hooghly River

Vidyasagar Setu is the longest cable bridge that links the cities of Howrah and Kolkata. Due to this sole reason, Howrah bridge is subjected to heavy traffic congestion. Thus, the plan for a new bridge was put forth to divert the traffic in order to avoid the hassle.  

History of Vidyasagar Setu Bridge

The formation of the Vidyasagar Setu bridge in Kolkata was initiated in the year 1979 in the month of July and the bridge was accessible to the public in 1992. 

The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi. Earlier, the bridge was subjected to a high amount of traffic congestion; therefore, it is now intricately designed to carry the overload of 85,000 vehicles.

The Hooghly River Bridge Commission initiated the formation of this bridge project. The cost involved in the process of its construction was INR 388 crores and it took around 22 years to create its formation.     

Architectural Features of Vidyasagar Setu 

Let’s check out the architectural features that make this Setu bridge unique in itself.

The deck of Vidyasagar Setu is mainly based on the grid structure design. The architectural design of this Setu is unique, with 128-meter-high pylons. The structural steel weighs more than 13,000 tonnes. 

The cables were assembled from pylon heads by utilising 32 meter elevated frames. Lifting was performed through sheave blocks, snatch blocks, and winches.

Vidyasagar Setu Toll Plaza

Vidyasagar Setu toll plaza helps in collecting revenue for the Bengal government. The rough estimation made by the government is that it will earn Rs 27 crores from the toll tax collection.    

The senior official also stated that the number of vehicles moving on this Setu West Bengal bridge has already increased to around 70,000, including two-wheelers as well. Therefore, a significant proportion of the revenue is spent on the maintenance of the bridge.

The transport agency took many other steps in order to reduce the daily traffic at the toll plaza on both sides of the bridge. Also, the government has built two circular ramps in connection with the toll plaza.

Besides this, the government took multiple measures to earn revenue from the Howrah Vidyasagar Setu bridge without even increasing the tax. The government also imposes a toll tax on vehicles using side ramps. 

Traffic Congestion of Vidyasagar Setu

To relieve traffic congestion, the HRBC (Hooghly Bridge River Commissioners) built two one-way entry and exit points. These semi-circular ramps mitigate the traffic of the Foreshore and Grand Foreshore roads, along with this Setu and Howrah station.

Apart from this, the ramp also helps in reducing the traffic from Rabindra Setu. In consideration of these circular ramps, most Howrah-bound vehicles, especially from the east and south of Kolkata, are now routed to the Vidyasagar Setu bridge. Initially, two-wheelers, cars, and taxis were only allowed to use these circular ramps. 

Facts About Vidyasagar Setu

There are some interesting facts about the Vidyasagar Bridge that people may not be aware of. These facts are listed below:

• This Setu bridge, which is also known as the second Hooghly bridge, has the potential to carry 85,000 vehicles.
• The bridge took around 22 years and more to get constructed.
• The Vidyasagar Setu bridge holds the record for the lengthiest cable-stayed crossover formed in India.
• Individuals riding on a bicycle were free from paying any kind of toll for using the bridge. 

• Vidyasagar Setu Bridge is named after the Bengali educationist reformer Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. 
• The foundation stone of this Setu bridge was laid by Indira Gandhi. On the same day, there were around 30,000 vehicles on the bridge.

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Wrapping Up

There are many features that make the bridge unique, this one-of-a-kind bridge not only helps in diverting traffic but also aids the government in collecting revenue through a toll plaza, advertisement hoardings, and so on.