Coal India Backs Solar Lighting for Howrah Bridge

12 Jun 2025 CW Team

Coal India Limited has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), to support the dynamic solar-powered illumination of the historic Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu.

The 80-year-old cantilever bridge, a vital artery in Kolkata’s transport network, will soon be transformed into a vibrant night-time landmark through advanced LED and projection technology. The upgraded lighting scheme will employ volumetric and skeleton lighting techniques, synchronised with musical shows to offer an immersive visual experience. This initiative aims to highlight the architectural beauty of the bridge while celebrating the cultural heritage of the city.

The MoU was formalised at Coal India’s headquarters, Coal Bhawan, in the presence of Chairman P.M. Prasad, SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman, Deputy Chairman Samrat Rahi, and other senior officials. SMPK finalised the detailed project report in March 2025 and has already floated tenders for the work.

Deputy Chairman Rahi noted that the project is a major upgrade from the current illumination system and is expected to be completed within a year from contract award. Officials estimate that the execution of the lighting installation will take around six to eight months.

The revamped lighting plan will also include a modernised son et lumière show, which will be streamed via a mobile app. The bridge, which currently features static volumetric lighting, will be enhanced with dynamic motion effects, adding depth and energy to its night-time appearance.

Opened to the public in 1943, Howrah Bridge is one of the world’s busiest cantilever bridges, carrying over 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians each day. The lighting project is designed not only to improve the visual appeal of the structure but also to bolster Kolkata’s tourism sector by turning Rabindra Setu into a luminous symbol of the city's urban and cultural legacy.

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