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Sandia Column Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇮🇳INOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sandia Column Lighthouse

Sandia Column is a cylindrical tower on the Hooghly River, situated opposite Nayachar Island in West Bengal, India. Originally painted with horizontal black and white bands, the 14-meter-tall structure has a focal height of 30 meters. It emits a single white flash every 10 seconds, visible for 15.3 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors, but the tower itself is closed. The nearest port is Haldia, located 18.7 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The Sandia Column’s position on the Hooghly River highlights its past importance for navigation along this critical Indian waterway. Its charting, even in inactivity, underscores its continued relevance as a landmark for river traffic, particularly in relation to Nayachar Island.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
30m
Geographic Range
15.3NM

Location

Country
🇮🇳India
Region
West Bengal
Sea Region
Hooghly River, opposite Nayachar Island, India
Latitude
21.7912°
Longitude
87.8630°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Haldia(18.7 km)
Admiralty No.
F1031.45
NGA No.
26862

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with horizontal black and white bands

Structure: round column originally painted with black and white horizontal bands, Google has a street view and a satellite view

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sandia Column Lighthouse at night?+
Sandia Column displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Sandia Column Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sandia Column Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is SAGAR at 11.2 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Haldia (17.7 NM NE), FALTA (32.5 NM NNE), Garden Reach (49.9 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sandia Column Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sandia Column Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Sandia Column Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sandia Column Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.