Biswa Bangla Gate — Attraction in Kolkata

About BISWA BANGLA GATE: KOLKATA’S NEW ICON Biswa Bangla Gate, popularly known as Kolkata Gate, is the new icon of a rising Bengal, the same way London Eye is for the UK and Eiffel Tower is for Paris.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has left no stone unturned in trying to make a new Bengal and not so long ago, she came up with the idea of having a gateway to modern Kolkata, one that would welcome tourists, entrepreneurs, scholars, guests and people of all talent as they landed at the airport and began driving into the city. It would be a gateway so iconic that no one would be left in any doubt that Bengal is rising and the new Bengal is here and now.

HUNT FOR THE PERFECT LOCATION The first and obvious choice for the proposed structure was on VIP Road or Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani, near Haldiram’s, a prominent landmark food court near the left-turning flyover from the airport, which kind of marked the entry into New Town, but there was hardly any space on the ground and the sky was cluttered. Next option was near Chinar Park, at HIDCO Dwar, as it is called, but there too, space was at a premium, besides there being litigation problems. But most importantly, the majestic view required to make the whole exercise worthwhile, was missing.

There was another problem which the master planners soon discovered as they continued their search for the perfect location. The Metro corridor, which had started taking effect with elevated pillars on the ground, would take away any view worth seeing.

It is interesting to note here that when the master plan for the project was first drawn up in 1999, the plan was to erect the gate at Rotary 1, near Nazrul Tirtha. But that too hit a roadblock, since a Metro station was coming up right at that spot. After eliminating almost every location owing to some problem or the other, the planners finally zeroed in on Narkelbagan, the crossroads junction that leads in all four directions to Kolkata: the Airport, the wetlands, Sector 5/6 and Action Area 3.

But here too there was a hitch. According to the master plan, a flyover was to be constructed which would stretch from the Bartaman offices right till Narkelbagan. But with approval for that still not forthcoming, the green light for the gate was given with the assurance that in case the flyover did materialize in the future, it would finish way before the Gate.

THE DESIGN Now that the plot was selected and the project approved, it was time to decide how the structure would look like. For that, a national design competition was organized and a committee headed by architect Dulal Mukherjee, oversaw design plans from architects from all over the country. Most were variations of the inverted ‘U’ and catered to the wish of making the Gate a utility structure as well.

The prestigious project finally went to M/S Vector Designs, a Pune based company for their minimalistic but futuristic design, which matched HIDCO’s New Town vision. The plan initially was to have just a viewing gallery, but later on, it was decided to have a night-time restaurant as well.

THE CONSTRUCTION Work on the proposed structure began on March 6, 2017. Steel plates were used and two inverted parabolas were erected. Not a single piece of steel was curved and the whole structure was made from flat steel. This engineering marvel was made possible thanks to the design dexterity and computer aided welding which ensured that all four points matched perfectly. Around 70 tons of steel were used with the top portion elevated at 55 metres. All points were rigorously tested.

The first sign of trouble came when the rings had to be elevated to the proposed height of 25 metres. The arch wasn’t a problem since it was from the sides, but with the rings came a major traffic issue.

TRAFFIC STOPPER To elevate the rings, the intersection needed to be closed down. Work was to be done through the night, between 11 pm and 5 am and permission for the same was taken from the police. The ring had four parts, two large and two small. The problem was lifting the larger parts to their...

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with a blend of traditional flavors and a modern touch, Biswa Bangla Gate in Kolkata is sure to leave an impression. Nestled within the iconic circular skywalk structure of New Town, this elevated restaurant offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city – and the experience is just as impressive on the plate as it is through the glass.

🍽️ Food: 4.5/5 The food here is a satisfying mix of Indo-Chinese delights. Our table was graced with:

Fried Rice: Fragrant, well-seasoned, and tossed with fresh vegetables and bits of egg, the rice had a comforting homemade taste yet restaurant finesse.

Chicken Manchurian: Juicy and perfectly coated in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce, these were real show-stealers. The vegetables in the gravy retained their crunch, which added texture.

Noodles: Lightly stir-fried and flavorful, not overly greasy, and paired beautifully with the Manchurian.

Presentation was neat, portions were generous, and the flavors were balanced without being overpowering.

🌿 Ambiance: 5/5 The ambiance is undoubtedly the highlight. Dining inside the glass-enclosed ring structure, high above the bustling streets, gives you a serene escape. As you enjoy your meal, you’re surrounded by wide views of the cityscape, lush greenery below, and the artistic spiral staircase outside, which adds a dramatic architectural flair.

The setting feels peaceful and airy, making it perfect for both family outings and quiet lunches. The floral arrangements and the structural design of the gate itself give the place an almost futuristic vibe, while still staying connected to Bengal’s essence.

👨‍🍳 Staff Behavior: 5/5 The service here was warm and attentive. The staff were courteous and patient, giving personal recommendations and ensuring the food was served promptly and fresh. They were quick to respond to requests without ever being intrusive. Their pleasant demeanor added a homely charm to a very modern setting.

⭐ Final Verdict: Biswa Bangla Gate Restaurant is more than just a place to eat — it’s an experience. From the aerial view to the aromatic flavors and polite staff, everything aligns beautifully to make your time here memorable. Whether you're a local or a traveler, this is one spot you shouldn’t miss in Kolkata.

🌆 Must-Visit For: Couples, families, tourists, and anyone who enjoys food with a view.

💸 Price Range: Moderate to slightly premium – but worth every rupee for the experience.

📍 Location Tip: Reserve in advance, especially during weekends and evenings. The lift ride and entry timings are fixed, so...

Biswa Bangla Gate, also known as the Kolkata Gate, is a striking architectural marvel located in New Town, Kolkata. This iconic structure has quickly become a landmark and a symbol of the city’s modernity and cultural heritage. It offers a unique blend of aesthetics, engineering, and functionality, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

The most distinctive feature of Biswa Bangla Gate is its design, which resembles a gigantic ring suspended in the air. This ring is actually an elevated viewing gallery and a restaurant, providing panoramic views of the New Town area and beyond. The structure is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a mesmerizing sight that adds to the city's skyline.

Visitors can access the viewing gallery via an elevator, which is an experience in itself. Once at the top, the 360-degree glass-enclosed gallery offers breathtaking views. The sight of the cityscape, especially during sunset or at night, is truly spectacular. The gallery is thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating and informative displays about the city’s history and culture, enhancing the visitor experience.

The restaurant within the Biswa Bangla Gate is another highlight. It offers a range of delectable dishes, combining local Bengali flavors with international cuisine. Dining here is a unique experience, with the stunning views providing a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. The restaurant’s ambiance is elegant and sophisticated, making it a great spot for special occasions or a casual meal with friends and family.

The surroundings of Biswa Bangla Gate are also well-maintained, with landscaped gardens and open spaces that provide a pleasant environment for a leisurely stroll. The area is easily accessible, with ample parking and good public transport connectivity, making it convenient for visitors from all parts of the city.

One of the commendable aspects of Biswa Bangla Gate is its focus on sustainability and green practices. The structure is designed to be energy-efficient, and efforts have been made to minimize its environmental impact.

In conclusion, Biswa Bangla Gate is a testament to Kolkata's evolving landscape, seamlessly blending modernity with cultural richness. It offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the city’s beauty and serves as a fantastic spot for dining, sightseeing, and relaxation. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Biswa Bangla Gate provides an experience that is both visually stunning and...