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.

Infrastructure Transport

06 May 2026

Pune To Build Nine Km Link Road Between Highways

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to appoint an expert to plan the development of a nine km long, 60 metre wide road from Khadi Machine chowk to Wadki chowk as an extension to the Katraj-Kondhwa road to link the Mumbai-Satara and Pune-Solapur national highways. The scheme is intended to divert heavy vehicle traffic away from the city and improve access between the two arterial routes. The project has been prioritised by the PMC and forms part of a larger set of schemes in which 19 roads have been identified for development at a combined cost of Rs 9.82 billion (bn) to address c..

Barabanki Bahraich Six Lane Highway Approved in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved construction of a new six-lane highway linking Barabanki and Bahraich as part of National Highway 927, and the cabinet has cleared the project. The alignment will pass through Mustafabad and Kaiserganj and extend for about 101.5 km, creating a key corridor for local and long-distance movement. The National Highways Authority of India will oversee the work and has signalled the scheme is intended to strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border access to Nepal. The project carries an estimated total cost of Rs 69,690 million, equivalent to Rs 69.69..

Toll At Kharegaon Likely As Highway Upgrade Nears Completion

A section of the highway at Kharegaon has undergone an upgrade and is approaching completion, and authorities have indicated plans for a toll to be introduced once works finish. The project has focused on strengthening the carriageway, improving drainage and upgrading intersections to enhance safety and capacity. Officials have said the toll will be used to recover construction costs and fund ongoing maintenance. The upgrade included resurfacing of the pavement, widening of certain stretches and installation of modern signage and lighting to reduce accident risk. Contractors completed most ma..