Draft:Kolkata and Howrah: Twin Cities and Economic Hubs

Kolkata and Howrah: Twin Cities and Economic Hubs

edit

Introduction

edit

Kolkata and Howrah, two of the largest cities in the Indian state of West Bengal, are often referred to as twin cities12. They are located on opposite banks of the Hooghly River, with Kolkata on the eastern bank3. The two cities are interconnected by several bridges, the most iconic of which is the Howrah Bridge4.

Historical Connection

edit

The Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu, was commissioned in 1943 and has since served as a vital link between Kolkata and Howrah4. It replaced a pontoon bridge at the same location, further strengthening the connection between the twin cities4. The bridge carries a daily traffic of approximately 100,000 vehicles and possibly more than 150,000 pedestrians, making it one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world4.

Economic Perspective

edit

Metropolitan cities like Kolkata and Howrah are significant drivers of the economy5. The Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA), which includes Kolkata and Howrah, contributes approximately 30% to the state’s domestic product, despite accounting for only 18% of the state’s population5. This highlights the economic importance of these twin cities.

However, KMA also has a large number of slum settlements, particularly in Kolkata and Howrah, where around one-third of KMA’s population lives5. This presents a significant challenge from an economic and social perspective.

Urban Expansion and Development

edit

Over the years, both Kolkata and Howrah have witnessed significant urban expansion6. The built-up area has increased drastically, transforming agricultural land and open land into urban spaces6. This urban expansion, however, is not compact in nature, indicating a sprawl growth within the Kolkata urban agglomeration6.

The introduction of the Metro service has significantly changed the commute between Kolkata and Howrah7. This development has brought Howrah closer to Kolkata, truly making it Kolkata’s twin city7.

Conclusion

edit

The twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah share a deep historical connection and play a crucial role in the economy of West Bengal. Despite the challenges posed by rapid urban expansion and socio-economic disparities, the cities continue to grow and develop, further strengthening their bond.

References

edit

1 Kolkata and Howrah twin cities 4 Howrah Bridge - Wikipedia 3 Kolkata-Howrah : A tale of Twin Cities 2 Howrah - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 7 Development of Metro: An eastern perspective - The Pioneer 5 Smart Global Megacities Spatial Strategies for Kolkata Metropolitan Region 6 Analysing Urban Sprawl and Spatial Expansion of Kolkata Urban Agglomeration Using Geospatial Approach

References

edit

1 Kolkata and Howrah twin cities 4 Howrah Bridge - Wikipedia 3 Kolkata-Howrah : A tale of Twin Cities 2 Howrah - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 7 Development of Metro: An eastern perspective - The Pioneer 5 Smart Global Megacities Spatial Strategies for Kolkata Metropolitan Region 6 Analysing Urban Sprawl and Spatial Expansion of Kolkata Urban Agglomeration Using Geospatial Approach