The Second Vivekananda Bridge replaces the existing Vivekananda Bridge across the Hooghly River and was built 164 ft (50 m) downstream. At erection time it was one of the few existing multi-span extra-dosed bridges and also the biggest Indian BOT project (build operate transfer) so far. Cast-in-place pier shafts are supported on 148 ft (45 m) deep reinforced concrete caissons coated with steel and arranged in the center of the carriageway. Suspended from the masts is the superstructure as post-tensioned concrete box girder, constructed in balanced cantilever using pre-cast concrete segments which are connected by interior and exterior tendons. Three expansion joints allow for horizontal movements. Construction of the bridge was critical due to high current and flooding after the monsoon season.
