description Hooghly River Overview
The Hooghly River is a distributary of the Ganges that flows through the Indian state of West Bengal, passing the city of Kolkata before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is formed by the bifurcation of the Ganges and is navigable for oceangoing vessels as far north as Kolkata. The river's mouth and estuary have historically served as the major maritime gateway to eastern India, and its banks host significant industrial cities and port infrastructure including the Haldia dock complex.
help Hooghly River FAQ
Is the Hooghly River the same river as the Ganges?
The Hooghly, also called the Bhagirathi-Hooghly, is a western distributary of the Ganges system in West Bengal. The main Ganges channel continues toward Bangladesh, where it is known as the Padma.
Why was Kolkata built on the Hooghly River?
The river gave colonial Calcutta access to the Bay of Bengal and inland trade routes. The Port of Kolkata developed into a major river port, although shifting silt and a long approach channel made navigation difficult.
What does the Farakka Barrage do for the Hooghly?
The Farakka system diverts Ganges water through a roughly 38-kilometer feeder canal into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly. Its central purpose was to improve flow and reduce navigational problems affecting Kolkata's port.
Which famous bridge crosses the Hooghly at Kolkata?
The cantilever Howrah Bridge, officially Rabindra Setu, links Kolkata with Howrah. Farther downstream, Vidyasagar Setu provides another major crossing over the same river.
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