The bow-framed structure in the New Town area, Kolkata, West Bengal, is the Biswa Bangla Gate or the Kolkata Gate. It was built in 2017 and 2018 by HIDCO (Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation).
This newest addition in Kolkata has become famed very briskly. The monument’s interesting structure attracts many visitors across the city of joy, other parts of the state, and the ones visiting the city.
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In this article, you will get to know the following points about Biswa Bangla Gate or Kolkata Gate,
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
How to reach Biswa Bangla Gate
The location of Biswa Bangla Gate makes it easily accessible from all parts of Kolkata.
By Bus:
Most Airport bound buses via New Town pass through Biswa Bangla Gate. You may board buses on routes S30, AC12, AC23A, S12E, S9C, S53, and S14C. Apart from these, several private buses are also available, like the Barasat-B. Gardens and Barasat Satragachi via New Town.
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By Train:
Sealdah Railway Station is the closest railway station to Biswa Bangla Gate. You can hire a cab from the station to reach Biswa Bangla Gate.
By Car:
If you are coming from the Airport side, take a left turn at the Haldiram Crossing onto Biswa Bangla Sarani. Then continue till you reach Narkelbagan.
Timings of Biswa Bangla Gate
The timings of Biswa Bangla Gate are,
Viewing Gallery | 12 PM – 5 PM |
Lunch | 12 PM – 3 PM |
Dinner | 7 PM – 10 PM |
Biswa Bangla Gate Tickets
The Biswa Bangla Gate ticket price is Rs. 100 per person for the viewing gallery for 1 hour.
You can book in advance from the official website for lunch and dinner.
About Biswa Bangla Gate
The Biswa Bangla Gate is among the numerous attractions in Kolkata. There is a viewing gallery, an upscale dining restaurant, and shops selling souvenirs inside.
The fine dining restaurant and the visitor’s gallery are wrapped in glass walls that enable one to see the whole 360 surrounding from the top. The view is stunning from above, especially in the evening, as the lights outside shine like stars in the darkness, making it a perfect site.
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No outside food or tobacco items are allowed inside the monument, and CCTVs are covering the views of the entire gate.
You can access the baggage area and washroom on the ground floor near the ticket counters.
History of Biswa Bangla Gate
While the Newtown beautification project was ongoing in 2010, this arc monument or the Kolkata Gate’s concept was suggested to the State Government. This was done to have a structure to represent West Bengal. Later, in 2015, the construction of the Kolkata Gate was approved. The construction started on 6th March 2015.
To begin with, the idea was to suspend a Biswa Bangla Globe in the center of the arc, but the globe crashed down due to some mechanical failure. The idea was discarded for the safety of the people.
The entire project cost around ₹ 25 crores.
The latest structure was inaugurated by West Bengal state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2019 on 31st January. Firhad Hakkim, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister of West Bengal, commenced the restaurant in the same year on 2nd February.
Biswa Bangla Gate Architecture
The whole monument is constructed out of glass, steel, and other materials that are made durable and safe to resist it collapsing in case of any natural calamity.
A Pune-based architectural firm was commissioned for the entire design work. The monument was made to portray a city that represents ‘united in strength and dynamic in progress’ and ‘liberal in outlook.’
The arches rise diagonally from the four traffic areas and have an elevation of 55 meters. The ring gallery is 60 meters. The platform is 25 meters high above the ground, and the entire ground diameter is 220 meters.
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Staircases of two sets and one elevator are there to take you to the glass-enveloped rooms. The entire space is air-conditioned and gives the outlook of the city life of New Town from above.
The complete Kolkata Gate is illuminated when the evening sets in and sparkles splendidly, giving it a mesmerizing look.
Through the structure, it was planned to pay tribute to Rabindranath Tagore along with his composition of the poem “Where the mind is without fear.” It also concerns the incredible heritage and culture of the state.
Things to do at Biswa Bangla Gate
There are a few things to do at Biswa Bangla Gate,
- Witness the magic of the beautiful city from the observation deck.
- Admire the iconic architectural marvel and enjoy the moment with your loved ones.
- Have a unique dining experience at the heaven-like floating multi-cuisine restaurant that serves delectable delicacies.
- Photograph the beautiful skyline while taking a 360-degree walk around the observation deck.
- You can plan a date or an Adda with your squad at the viewing gallery of the Biswa Bangla Gate.
Other attractions near Biswa Bangla Gate
There are many other famous tourist attractions near Biswa Bangla Gate. Some of them are,
Attraction | Distance from Biswa Bangla Gate |
---|---|
Eco Park | 2.5 km |
Mother’s Wax Museum | 2.5 km |
Axis Mall | 1.8 km |
City Center 2 | 6.5 km |
Aquatica | 3.5 km |
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These are some points you must know about Biswa Bangla Gate.
You can look around the beautiful monument. Get a few souvenirs from the shop for your near and dear ones as memorabilia.
Visit and check out the enchanting place and spend some time at the Biswa Bangla Gate.
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