New illumination to transform the Howrah landmark
The iconic Howrah Bridge will be equipped with an upgraded dynamic lighting system and a synchronised music and sound show, Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) officials announced, with the installation now complete after a closure of more than five months. The upgrade, estimated at ₹10 crore, is being implemented by Havells with support from sponsors and port bodies.
KoPT chairman Rathendra Raman revealed details of the project at a recent meeting, while KoPT deputy chairman Samrat Rahi provided further technical information and scheduling. Officials said the new system expands on the earlier setup by adding multiple lighting modes designed to highlight different aspects of the bridge’s structure and offer a distinctive night-time experience for commuters and visitors.
Features and schedule
- The upgraded system will provide three lighting modes: profile, volumetric and skeleton lighting.
- Selected evenings will include a synchronised music and sound show staged with the lighting effects.
- Special shows are planned on occasions such as Republic Day, Poila Baisakh, Durga Puja and Diwali.
- Coal India Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) to support the illumination project; solar-powered lights are part of the plan.
“The dynamic lighting will have three features — profile, volumetric and skeleton lighting. The previous dynamic lighting system had only the profile lighting feature,”
Rahi also drew a comparison with a famous international example, noting that while the Eiffel Tower’s lighting suits a vertical structure, the Howrah Bridge provides a horizontal canvas and the new system has been designed accordingly. Officials said the aim is to accentuate the bridge’s structural brilliance and create a lasting visual attraction on Rabindra Setu after dusk.
Implementation, funding and earlier system
The project is being installed by Havells and had been paused for more than five months during the installation work. Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) had installed the first dynamic lighting system on the bridge in March 2020; the current initiative is a further upgrade with additional lighting features and a focus on energy efficiency through solar-powered components.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated cost | ₹10 crore |
| Implementing agency | Havells |
| Sponsor/partner | Coal India Limited with SMPK |
| Planned shows | Republic Day, Poila Baisakh, Durga Puja, Diwali and selected days |
Officials said the new lighting will offer three distinct visual treatments. The profile mode traces the silhouette of the bridge; volumetric lighting will give depth and perceived mass to structural elements; and skeleton lighting will emphasise the lattice and truss details that are characteristic of this 80-year-old landmark.
KoPT noted that the enhancements are intended not only to beautify the riverside skyline but also to improve the night-time experience for thousands who cross or view the bridge daily. The synchronised music element is expected to be deployed on cultural and national occasions to coincide with major public gatherings and festivals along the Hooghly riverfront.
Commissioning of the system comes after a period when the previously installed dynamic lighting was closed for upgrades. Officials have framed the project as a way to celebrate the bridge’s architectural legacy while using modern, energy-aware lighting technologies.
The announcement has drawn interest from commuters, heritage groups and the city’s tourism fraternity, who see the lighting and sound show as likely to boost evening footfall along the riverfront and add to Kolkata’s festival and civic occasions. KoPT will release the detailed operating schedule for public viewing days in due course.
