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Howrah Bridge
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Howrah Bridge

Getting around: Connecting Howrah and central Kolkata across the Hooghly River, easily viewed from either bank; walking across is possible, or view it from a boat trip on the river.
Hours: Open access, no fixed hours; it's a functioning traffic bridge viewable and crossable at any time, though photography restrictions apply on the bridge itself for security reasons.

Howrah Bridge is one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world, connecting Howrah railway station to central Kolkata across the Hooghly River, and it's become an iconic symbol of the city itself, appearing in countless films and photographs. It carries an enormous volume of daily foot, vehicle, and even the occasional livestock traffic, making a walk across it as much about the atmosphere and chaos as the structure itself.

Photography of the bridge is officially restricted while standing on it, for security reasons, though it can be photographed freely from the riverbank or a boat on the Hooghly. A river cruise or a visit to Mullik Ghat flower market nearby, right at the base of the bridge, gives some of the best views and combines well with a Howrah Bridge visit.

Howrah Bridge FAQs

Can I take photos of Howrah Bridge?

Photography while standing on the bridge itself is officially restricted for security reasons; photographing it from the riverbank, a boat, or nearby vantage points is generally fine.

What's a good way to see the bridge properly?

A boat ride on the Hooghly River gives excellent views, as does a visit to the Mullik Ghat flower market located right at the base of the bridge.

Is it crowded to walk across?

Yes, it carries extremely heavy foot and vehicle traffic at almost all hours, giving a genuinely immersive sense of Kolkata's daily energy.

How old is Howrah Bridge?

The current structure was completed in 1943, replacing an earlier pontoon bridge at the same crossing.

Is there an entry fee?

No, it's a public traffic bridge with no entry fee.

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