Sat Nov 16 07:16:33 UTC 2024: ## Howrah Bridge to Undergo Major Health Check-up
**Kolkata, India** – The iconic Howrah Bridge, a vital artery connecting Kolkata and Howrah, will undergo a comprehensive health check-up this weekend. The 81-year-old bridge, the sixth longest balanced cantilever suspension bridge globally, will be closed to all traffic for five hours on the night of Saturday into Sunday.
The closure is necessary for the extensive examination, the first of its kind since a similar check between 1983 and 1988. RITES Ltd, a public sector undertaking, will conduct the inspection on behalf of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, which is responsible for the bridge’s maintenance.
The Howrah Bridge, a daily pathway for an estimated 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians, remains one of the world’s busiest bridges despite the construction of the Vidyasagar Setu. Its proximity to Howrah railway station, a major transportation hub, contributes significantly to its high traffic volume.
An SMP official highlighted the bridge’s historical significance, noting its construction during World War II under the threat of Japanese bombing raids, and its role in showcasing the capabilities of Indian steel production, even under British rule. Tata Steel’s production of high-quality tensile steel was crucial in completing the bridge after the supply of British steel was halted due to the war.
The upcoming health check-up aims to ensure the bridge’s continued operational safety and longevity for decades to come.
First Piper 