The building of bridges can be traced to Neolithic times where trees and stones were used to cross a water body or create a walkable path. It was the Ancient Romans who began experimenting with more sophisticated tools and materials, making them one of the most advanced and sophisticated bridge makers of ancient times. Building bridges was a great investment especially if the material used was good and the mechanics complicated. These paths were given great economic importance as they would benefit the region with trade. On the other hand, they were also military weak points and had to be strictly guarded. Some bridges even had a toll tax just as one experiences on highways and expressways today.
In India, the construction of historic bridges can be linked to as early as the 4th century. These utility driven structures are of immense heritage importance.
As I walked across my university town Durham’s oldest bridge, built in 1127, Framwellgate Bridge, for perhaps the one hundredth time, I pondered on the old and the new. The evolution of technology and tools, the path breaking progress in science that man has made and yet the collapsing of newly built bridges in India. It has been a rather pathetic and tragic year for newly constructed bridges in the country. Their short life spans are linked to the usage of inferior quality materials amongst other things. While historic marvels such as Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge still stand, 13 bridges in Bihar collapsed in the span of a mere three weeks during the monsoon season. It continues to baffle me on how heritage monuments stand the test of time but new structures crumble so quickly. Where are we going wrong and why is no one taking accountability?
The risk of a collapsed bridge and the fatality to life is far greater today than it was even a few decades ago. Today there are innumerable vehicles traversing these paths built with budgets of crores of rupees. A collapse jeopardises the lives of many and there is little damage control one can do once a calamity such as this strikes.
Due maintenance and regular safety checks are essential for old and new bridges. The famous glass bridge of Kerala for example, was closed with growing concerns on the safety of the structure. The bridge, set at a height of 3600ft is a thrilling tourist attraction providing the adrenaline junkie with panoramic views of the region. The bridge has recently been reopened after all necessary risk and safety measures have been put in place.
Similarly, the iconic Malviya Bridge, an engineering and architectural marvel, will now undergo restoration. The 137-year-old steel truss monument was one of a kind when built. Stretching over the Ganga, in Varanasi it continues to be one of the busiest bridges of India. Once successfully restored for a whopping Rs 2,642 crore, the bridge will further solidify its place in India’s history.
India is also home to many heritage bridges that may have lost their functionality today but continue to shed light on integral chapters of history. The World Heritage site of Hampi in Karnataka is home to one such ancient bridge. The ancient bridge of Hampi dates back to the 14th century and is said to have been commissioned by King Harihara II of the Vijayanagara Kingdom.
Little of the bridge remains today, such as the hefty stone pillars, which supported the top of the bridge. But it is with the help of these ruins that historians can understand the trade and traffic routes of the ancient empire.
Perhaps the world’s highest single arch rail bridge, which will connect Kashmir valley to the rest of India will be this century’s marvel. Set to be completed after twenty long years, the bridge aims to give the region an economic boost and has been built after intense topographical and military research has been conducted.
Bridges, both historic and modern, are an integral part of our cultural heritage. If preserved well and built with integrity they can continue to boost the advancement of humanity. ‘Building bridges’ is indeed a beautiful term.