Now, enjoy light-and-sound show on Howrah Bridge from riverbank

KOLKATA: The Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge) will soon glow in the colours of the Tricolour on special occasions like Republic Day and Independence Day. On other important occasions such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the bridge could highlight a large pink ribbon. Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT), custodian of the 75-year-old iconic structure that spans the Hooghly between the cities of Kolkata and Howrah, will introduce dynamic lighting on the bridge during its 150th anniversary celebrations that start from October.

Rabindra Setu, the sixth longest bridge of its kind in the world, was adorned with decorative lights in 2006.These lights are switched on during special occasions and festivals and their intensity can be controlled. KoPT now wants to go a step further to turn the bridge more attractive, not only for tourists but also locals. A light and sound show has also been planned.
“The existing lights will be converted to LED lamps. These will not only be energy efficient but can be computer controlled. They can form special patterns as per our directions. We have handed over the work (along with others) to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and Phase-I should be completed in a few months. This will include the dynamic lighting and light and sound show. The cost of the project is around Rs 14-15 crore,” KoPT chairman Vinit Kumar said.
The light and sound show can be enjoyed by people on the riverbank close to the bridge. They can watch the light display on the bridge while listening to the sound on special devices. According to a senior officer, people can hire the listening devices for a token sum at locations like the Millennium Park and listen to the sound while watching the lights change patterns and colours. According to Kumar, KoPT also plans to develop an app that once downloaded on phones, would enable people to hear the audio part. This plan is likely to be flagged-off during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kolkata later this year.
KoPT already organises heritage tours along the Hooghly and will soon use the 75-year-old paddle steamer Bhopal for such cruises.
As part of its anniversary, KoPT also plans to beautify the riverfront. This could cost nearly Rs 100 crore and certain business models will be worked out.