Bridges are used to cross rivers, valleys or roads, and they connect different cities. Various types of bridges are made; among them, there are cantilever bridges. But do you know what a cantilever bridge is, and which is the longest cantilever bridge in India?
Let's explore this article in detail and learn about the longest cantilever bridge in India.
What is a Cantilever Bridge?
According to Armfield, “A cantilever span bridge is a type of bridge that relies on projecting beams, or cantilevers, anchored at only one end. These bridges are designed to handle heavy vertical loads and span wide distances without the need for continuous supports. Unlike traditional bridges, cantilever bridges use innovative methods to create long-lasting and efficient structures, making them ideal for complex crossings.”
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Which is the Longest Cantilever Bridge in India?
The Howrah Bridge of Kolkata is the longest cantilever bridge in India. This bridge is also known as Rabindra Setu. It connects Howrah and Kolkata and carries 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians daily.
History of Howrah Bridge
The Howrah Bridge dates back to a historic milestone. Earlier, crossing the river was a big problem. Similarly in Bengal, crossing the Hoogly River was a serious issue. So, for the first time, the Bengal government proposed to build the bridge on the Hooghly River in 1862 to connect Howrah and Kolkata.
However, in 1936, the construction of the Howrah Bridge was under the guidance of Mr. Walton; he was a visionary engineer.
Finally, on February 3, 1943, the Howrah Bridge's construction was completed, and the first test run was inaugurated.
Interesting Facts About Howrah Bridge
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This bridge is constructed without using any nuts and bolts.
Howrah Bridge was renamed Rabindra Setu in the name of the first Indian Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore on 14 June, 1965.
At the time of construction, Howrah Bridge was the 3rd longest cantilever bridge in the world, but now it is the 6th longest cantilever bridge in the world.
As per the Guinness World Record, the Quebec Bridge over the St. Lawrence River in Canada is the longest cantilever bridge in the world.
During the construction of the Howrah Bridge, around 26500 tonnes of steel were consumed, out of which 23000 tonnes of high-tensile alloy steel, which is also known as 'Tiscrom', were imported from Tata Steel.
So, the Howrah Bridge is one of the legacies in engineering in the construction, and it represents one of the oldest constructions in India.