Bird’s-eye view of New Town from Biswa Bangla Gate

A marvel of engineering that looms over New Town, Biswa Bangla Gate or Kolkata Gate was commissioned in 2015 and opened to people four years later. (Photographs by Krishnungshu Gangopadhyay)

The iconic structure comprises two steel arches that rise 55 metres high and criss-cross to create a glass ring-like viewing gallery suspended in the sky.

Nearly 70 tonnes of high tensile strength steel was used in the construction along with high strength glass.

 

The 10ft-wide and 60m-long gallery offers panoramic views of New Town.

The views are especially stunning at dusk when the sky is awash in pink-orange hues and the city lights start switching on.  

Entry to the gallery is free from 5pm to 5.45pm and 6pm to 6.45pm. Beverages and snacks are available.

A glass-walled restaurant sits suspended 25 metres above the Major Arterial Road. The 40-seater restaurant serves lunch from 12pm to 3pm and dinner from 7pm to 10pm. 

To reach the restaurant, one can take a lift. For emergencies, there are stairs that resemble fire exits.