Refreshing Kolkata’s 110-year-old, record-breaking elevated water reservoir Available to Purchase

The 1911 Tala tank in Kolkata, India, remains the largest elevated water tank in the world. The 46 Ml rectangular tank is made of riveted steel plates and is supported 28 m above ground on braced steel columns and beams. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation is about to complete a £1 million project to rehabilitate and retrofit the British-built structure, enabling it to remain in service for another 50 years. This paper summarises the background, engineering concepts, construction and unique features of this remarkably durable tank, followed by the condition assessment that led to its refurbishment.