Question

Given below are a few famous bridges in India. Find out more information about them and write in your notebook.

1. The Howrah Bridge.
2. Laxman Zhula
3. Pambum Bridge
4. Worli Sea Link

Answer 1

The Howrah Bridge

Kolkata’s twin city and also the second-largest city of West Bengal, Howrah is one of the most preferred tourist destinations. The history of this city dates back to almost 500 years ago. Also, an industrial city, plan a trip to this place for your next vacation. There are many places of attraction that can explore in Howrah. Of all the sightseeing attractions, one of the most significant sightseeing spots is the Howrah Bridge that is a cantilever bridge. It is one of a kind and is also the sixth-largest bridge in the whole world. It is 2150 feet in length with a suspending span that right above the Hooghly River. The bridge was commissioned in 1943 and was initially called the New Howrah Bridge since it had replaced the pontoon bridge. It links two cities- both Kolkata and Howrah. In 1965, it was given another name called Rabindra Setu, and this name was kept in honor of the renowned Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore. But today it is popularly known as the Howrah Bridge. On your visit to West Bengal, this is one attraction that you must definitely not avoid visiting. It is no less than a magical wonder that the bridge stands with such grandeur.

The Howrah Bridge is a significant landmark of Kolkata. There are a total of four bridges namely- Vidyasagar Setu bridge, Vivekananda Setu, and the Nivedita Setu bridge that was built recently. It is said that the bridge carries the traffic of 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians. When this bridge was first constructed is was the third-longest cantilever bridge and now it stands in the sixth position.

Laxman Zhula

About 2 km from Swarg Ashram lies the well-known Lakshman (Laxman) Jhula, a suspension bridge about 450 ft long. Named after Lord Rama’s younger brother, Lakshmana (Laxman), it has temples on either side, including the famed Lakshmana Temple. The entire bridge is made of iron and is situated at a height of 70 ft from the river. Built-in 1939, over River Ganga, the jhula is one of the most prominent landmarks in Rishikesh. As the legend goes, Lord Lakshmana (Laxman) crossed Ganga on ropes of jute, and hence the bridge has been named in his honour.

Pambum Bridge

It is an engineering marvel that evokes awe! Few can forget a train journey on the Pamban bridge, connecting Rameswaram island to the mainland.
With 143 piers, spanning 2 km between the mainland and the island, it is the second-longest sea bridge in India after the 2.3-km Bandra-Worli sea link on Mumbai's western coast.
German engineer Scherzer designed the central part of the bridge that opens up to allow ferry movement. On average, 10 to 15 boats and small ships pass beneath the bridge every month. As India's first sea bridge, it has also become a tourist attraction by itself as people watch in awe when the two leaves of the bridge open up to let ships pass through.

Worli Sea Link

The Bandra Worli Sea Link is a ubiquitous symbol of 21st century Mumbai. The 5.6-kilometre cable-stayed bridge is a remarkable technical feat, the first of its kind built over open seas in India. To Mumbai’s elite, the Sea Link epitomizes connectivity and a jet-setting lifestyle. To the city’s aspiring classes, it is bound up with dreams of dignity and escaping the crushing commute of overcrowded local trains and buses.