The Vidyasagar Setu , Kolkata, is also popularly known as Second Hoogly Bridge. The bridge is a toll bridge that is made over the river Hoogly in West Bengal. The bridge creates a link between the cities of Howrah and Kolkata. The Vidyasagar Setu , Kolkata has a length of a total of 823 meters. This bridge is the second bridge that has been built across river Hoogly, as the first is Howrah Bridge, also known as the Rabindra Setu. The name Vidyasagar Setu was given after the great educationist PanditIshwar Chandra Vidyasagar. The History behind the construction of this bridge- Indira Gandhi was the one who dropped the foundation stone for this bridge on 20th May 1972. The bridge cost 3.88 billion rupees and took 22 years to get constructed. There are three more bridges that connect Kolkata with Howrah through the Hoogly River. The three bridges are The Howrah bridge, or the Rabindra Setu, the Vivekananda Setu and the Nivedita Setu. Construction of the Vidyasagar Setu , Kolkata Schlaich Bergermann designed the bridge with the help of his partners. The BBJ construction company carried out the construction. The HRBC was responsible for all the bridge’s commissioning operations. The development of the bridge began in the year 1979, July 3rd. Then later in 1992, October 10ththeHoogly River Bridge Commission approved the bridge. The traffic projections which were made for the bridge at the stage of planning have not yet been achieved. There was a survey which was carried out for almost a week during June 2012; it recorded traffic of 28000 vehicles on the bridge in comparison to the projected 85000. There was some severe monsoon during that year, which resulted in failed surveys; therefore it became the reason for the fall in traffic. Architecture of the bridge- The Vidyasagar Setu , Kolkata has 121 cables of steel arranged in a structure that looks like can, 115 feet wide and 418 feet high. The bridge has three lanes, each made for heading in different directions. Along with wide footpaths available on both sides of the bridge, the bridge has important components like lightning arresters, crash barriers, lifts in pylons, gas service, and even maintenance gantry. Over these years, many accidents have taken place on this bridge, which had resulted in some serious traffic congestions. Sometimes, these accidents have even led to bridge closure for hours. The HRBC has, therefore, started to make plans for entry ramps and exits so that the situations which have occurred earlier can be avoided. With emergency exits, hours of closure of the bridge can be avoided. Because of these ramps, there is also smooth flow of traffic. The other plans for the bridge are the installation of LED lamps all across the bridge. To help with easy traffic flow, on the bridge, a system for electric toll collection was scheduled too. Where to find the Vidyasagar Setu? The Vidyasagar Setu , Kolkata is popularly known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, can be found in Kolkata over the River Hooghly (Ganges) in West Bengal. The bridge brings the two very important and pulsating cities together, Kolkata and Howrah. Significance of the Vidyasagar Setu- The Vidyasagar Setu , Kolkata was built so that the pressure of Rabindra Setu can be reduced. Because of that, it became such a significant megastructure of Kolkata. The work is done on Vidyasagar Setu , Kolkata, a cable-stayed bridge, began with the construction of good curb on Calcutta bank end. The bridge after commissioning became the longest span bridge in the world of that type. At that time the Vidyasagar Setu , Kolkata was the very first cable-stayed bridge that was made in India and the largest found in Asia. The bridge connects the two critical metropolitan cities Howrah and Kolkata. The vehicles passing by the on the bridge have to pay toll charges but it is free for bicycles.
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Rishikesh, often referred to as the "Adventure Capital of India," is a prime destination for white-water rafting. Located on the banks of the holy Ganges, it offers an adrenaline-pumping experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Rafting in Rishikesh caters to all levels, from beginners to seasoned adventurers, with thrilling rapids ranging from grade I to grade IV. The most popular rafting stretches include the 9-km route from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, which includes some intense rapids like "Roller Coaster" and "Golf Course." The scenic surroundings, lush forests, and serene beaches along the river add to the experience, making it not just a thrilling sport but also a chance to connect with nature. Experienced guides ensure safety, providing the necessary gear and instructions. Beyond rafting, Rishikesh is also known for yoga, spirituality, and its stunning temples, making it a holistic getaway for adventure enthusiasts and peace seekers alike.
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Situated on the Satluj River and stationed some 18 kilometers from Bilaspur, Koldam Dam is quite a popular attraction and is one of the most recommended sites for tourists. Koldam Dam gained its hype and fame among traveler apps and engineering enthusiasts, owing to its marveling structure.The dam is centered on natural wonders and most often thronged by picnickers as an ideal spot for an escapade. The top region of the dam offers a splendid sight, and a jaunt at the blissful reservoir just underneath the Koldam Dam, Bilaspur with open blue skies is surely one sight to cherish through a lifetime. The Koldam Dam’s surrounding beauty with an abundance of natural bounty and its skilled structure of engineering marvel should be chanced upon at least once in your lifetime.Traveler Tips• The viewpoint of the Koldam Dam, Bilaspur offers a mind-blowing view out to nature’s wonders.• You can carry some of your favorite snacks and water to binge alone, as the dam lacks any proper vendor or food stalls.• Tourists are allowed to scout through the power plant and explore all of it. However, you might have to seek permission to enter.• Cars are not allowed into the dam sans identification.Things to DoThe reservoir underneath the dam is encircled with the charming Rocky Mountains whose sighting you can enjoy and make a backdrop for your perfect snap. Upon availing a helicopter ride from Koldam to Delhi, you can enjoy the crystal-clear blue waters from above which looks absolutely breath-taking. The surrounding of the place is blessed with nature’s wonders, thus making it the perfect for a treat to your sore eyes. The Koldam Dam, Bilaspur is also fit for a picnic and can gift you with the most amazing experience ever with its amazing boating facilities. Away from the bustling city life, you can also enjoy peace of mind by the catchment area of the dam.AvailabilityThe Koldam Dam is opened for tourists from 9 am in the morning to 5 pm in the evening. If you plan to enjoy a family picnic or witness the beauty of the waters, it is advisable you hit the place during the daytime. However, if you wish to rejuvenate your mind and wish to spend some time alone by the sea, the evening time is fit for you. The entire dam takes about an hour to explore.HistoryThe decision to construct the Koldam Dam, Bilaspur was made back in the year 2000, whose foundation rock was first laid by Lt. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was then the Indian Prime Minister. The area covered the land of 68 villages. The engineers were brought from Italy and Thailand to pull off this project along with other Indian teams of engineers. A whopping amount of INR 4,527 crore was sanctioned for the Dam. The project however suffered a standstill when the team encountered overruns caused by environmental and geological setbacks like underground and internal seepage, unrest and visa problems. All of this led to the submerging of the Tata Pani’s hot water spring by the reservoir. This resulted in the rescheduling of the generator commissioning from 2009 to 2015.ArchitectureThe height of the famous Koldam Dam, Bilaspur is about 320 meter which is inclusive of the 167 meters tall foundation. Koldam Dam’s total length is 474 meters with a width of about 14 metres. You would be astonished to learn about the total volume of the dam which is 12,000 m3 accompanied with 6 radial gates. The reservoir sitting beneath the dam is heightened at 642 meters and owns a capacity of 560,000 m3. Proud of four turbines of 200 MW each, the Hydroelectric Power Plant boasts of 800 MW capacity.FestivalKeeping aside the important festivals, the locals of Bilaspur celebrate the local festivals like the Harley and Pola and Rout Dance. Apart from this the Mahashivratri is celebrated with great pomp and show at Shri Naina Dev Ji which is also a remarkable worship place in Bilaspur. It is thronged by worshippers for being known as one of the shakti peeths where the limbs of Shiva are believed to have fallen.Popular CultureBilaspur is a potpourri of diverse cultural heritage, exclusive cuisine, dance forms, and native folk music. The Pathoni and Bihav songs are sung during the marriages, whereas the Sohar songs are sung during the childbirth. Bilaspur offers a scrumptious spread of cuisines that comprises of rice roll, thetri-khurmi, angular roti, chila, etc. Your trip to Bilaspur is definitely incomplete sans biting into their famous samosa which holds quite a different taste from the usual Punjabi samosa.Best Time to VisitThe October season is actually the season for the tourists in Koldam Dam, Bilaspur. Hence, the perfect time to chance upon the dam is during the months of October and May which happen to be the winter months here. You can also visit the dam from October to February or during March-May. The encircling terrain is generally snow-clad during the winter months and is a sight to behold, however, the summers are also perfect as you can enjoy witnessing the density of water or experience fun boating activities.How to Reach?Koldam Dam, Bilaspur is some 18 kilometers away from the city of Bilaspur so you can easily board taxis from the city to visit the dam. Rented cabs are the most viable option to get to the dam. However, you can also enjoy getting behind the steering to embark on a long drive from the town of Bilaspur to the Dam through the NTPC Koldam Road.Interesting Facts and Trivia About Koldam Dam:• The curvilinear arch construction of the Koldam Dam is simply jaw-dropping which calls for your appreciation.• You can enjoy the breath-taking sights of the surrounding beauty standing at the View Point.• The villages that existed in and around the dam sadly experienced a sink right after the dam was constructed.Nearby AttractionsGobind Sagar ReservoirThe reservoir sits pretty on the Satluj River which also shares close vicinity with the Bhakra Dam in the town of Bilaspur. The reservoir spreads across 170 sq. km and is one of the top best tourist attractions near Koldam Dam. The reservoir doles out some extraordinary natural wonders and is the ideal spot to restore fun during your weekends.Laxmi Narayan MandirLaxmi Narayan Mandir is one of the beautiful spots, situated at Pathankot. The place is ideal to visit with your family and friends from Koldam Dam, Bilaspur. The weather and ambiance of Pathankot make it one of the best places to visit. The temple holds out some splendid landscapes and offers you the scope to take photographs of the forest animals, the mountains, water, etc.
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