Siliguri Gate - The Splendor Of The Northern Plains
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The Siliguri Gate At A Glance & Its Conception
Shining in its utmost shimmer under the sunlit skies and enchanting onlookers with the shades of the rainbow during the murky nights, the Siliguri Gate truly is a man-made wonder. It enraptures every sight with its fragile yet sophisticated appeal. The imposing structure was possibly inspired by the Egyptian pyramids and the stars. The uppermost portion is actually a huge dispersive 3D prism, built of fibreglass and set on steel frames.
The grand crystal is placed above the inverted pyramidical structure, which is four times bigger than the prism itself. It moderately resembles the shape of a huge diamond. The whole crystal is placed above gigantic tied columns (pillars) built of iron.
The Description: Its Distinctive Features & The Surroundings
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Set amid the greenery 11 km from Siliguri, the seven-storied Ewam India Buddhist Monastery is a serene Nyingma pilgrimage site where intricate Tibetan artwork, golden roofs, and meditating Buddha statues offer a soul-soothing escape from the bustle of city life.
Overall, the Gate comprises three structures. The one in the centre is massive and stands twice the size of the two structures on either side. The topmost part (the prism) is ideally placed above the inverted pyramidical structure. The two smaller structures, resembling the main one, serve as the refractive medium. The lights pass from either side, both evenly tilting at an approximate angle of 45 degrees. The entire structure gleams in its utmost sheen and lustre during the daytime, whereas the massive prism disperses the shades of rainbows at night. The whole crystal is waterproof and thus remains unharmed by the monsoon downpour.
The Siliguri Gate is one of its kind to be built in the entire state. The entire structure is uniquely conceived. Constructed on the outskirts of the main city, the Gate overlooks and stands amid a vast stretch of plains. Adequate greenery surrounds the Gate, developing its extravagant glamour in the spring and monsoon seasons. Apart from the tied columns, every bit of the crystal is built of fibreglass, rendering the appeal of a really fragile structure.
The Location & Nearby Places Of Importance On Either Side
Constructed on the National Highway (NH10), the Gate stands just in front of the Siliguri Police Commissionerate office. It marks the point of entry to the major parts of Siliguri and serves as a significant landmark of the city. It stands near major attractions and significant places to explore. If you concentrate on one side of the Gate, you can find City Centre, Uttarayon Township, Neotia Getwel Hospital, Dr. Chang's Hospital, Inspiria Knowledge Campus, Siliguri Science Centre, and Webel IT Park.
Contrarily, if you move towards the other side, you will come across a series of additional major places. Starting right from the famous Darjeeling More, to the city's international hospitality landmark — Courtyard by Marriott. A little ahead rest Siliguri Junction, Mahananda Bridge, Bidhan Market, Surya Sen Park, ISKCON Temple, and more.
Siliguri Gate - A Contemporary Masterpiece
Despite the delicate appeal of the crystal, the entire structure is set on a steel frame. The pillars supporting the massive crystal are made of iron and concrete and entirely whitewashed. So, the scepticism and assumptions of 'labelling it as fragile' prove negative. The Siliguri Gate stands as a brilliant engineering feat — tough and appealing, sufficing as a representation of sophistication and modern art.
Despite the technical issues and design errors, the authorities thoroughly scrutinized the flaws and reviewed the designs. Eventually, they restored the Gate to the envisioned reality after thorough modifications. The State Government sanctioned a hefty cost of 3.50 crores for its construction. The Gate adds to the charm of Siliguri, which is the only en route to the Northeastern States, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
