If someone travels to Varanasi from Kolkata or Gaya by train or road, they must cross the river Ganga to enter the city.
Today, crossing the Ganga is easy, thanks to modern bridges. But in the past, it was not so simple—it was a challenging task. Building a bridge over the Ganga was the solution, and the story of how this bridge was constructed is quite interesting.
The Rise of Railways and Bridges in British India
In 1853, the British started rail service in India. After the First War of Independence in 1857, they realized the importance of efficient postal services, telegrams, and railways. To maintain control over such a vast territory, they needed an excellent postal system and reliable transportation.
The British wanted a modern transport system that could allow them to reach any part of India within 24 hours. They believed this was essential to quickly suppress any uprisings. Railways became the obvious solution to this need.
As the railway network expanded, hundreds of bridges were built across the country. Among these, the construction of a railway bridge over the Ganga in Varanasi was completed during this time.
Rajghat Bridge: A Timeless Landmark of Varanasi
Rajghat in Varanasi is home to a monumental bridge built over the Ganga during the British Raj. Remarkably, this bridge remains fully operational and continues to serve as a vital connection.
While locals commonly refer to it as the Rajghat Bridge, its official name has changed several times over the years, reflecting its enduring significance and historical legacy.
RAJ-GHAT, BENARES: TEMPORARY PONTOON BRIDGE (1869)
The image titled ‘Views of Benares, from the River Side’, captured by Brajo Gopal Bromochary in 1869 offers a rare glimpse into the historic pontoon bridge at Rajghat.
Before the Permanent Bridge: The Temporary Pontoon Bridge at Rajghat
Before the construction of the permanent bridge at Rajghat, a temporary pontoon bridge was used to facilitate crossing the Ganga. This floating bridge was removed during the monsoon season when the river’s water level rose.
A rare photograph taken by Brajo Gopal Bromochary in 1869 captures this temporary bridge, offering a glimpse into the innovative yet challenging engineering solutions of that era.
Rajghat Bridge at present
* SOME INTERESTING FACTS RELATED TO THE RAJGHAT BRIDGE
This is a two-floor bridge and holds the distinction of being the first bridge in the Indian subcontinent with railroad tracks on both the top and bottom levels.
Construction began in 1882 AD and was completed in 1887 AD. The total cost of construction was ₹750,000, a significant amount in the 1880s.
Spanning a length of 1,048.5 meters, this bridge connects Rajghat to Padav across the Ganga River.
Located in the Rajghat area of Varanasi, the bridge has been popularly referred to as “Rajghat Bridge” by residents since its inception and continues to be known by this name today.
THE DUFFERIN BRIDGE
Oudh and Rohilkhand Railway Collaboration: The bridge was constructed collaboratively by engineers from the Oudh (Awadh) and Rohilkhand regions.
The Dufferin Bridge: Inaugurated by Lord Dufferin on 16th December 1887 AD, the bridge was initially named the Dufferin Bridge in his honor.
Malviya Bridge: After India gained independence, on 5th December 1947, the bridge was renamed Malviya Bridge to commemorate the contributions of Madan Mohan Malviya, a prominent freedom fighter and educationist.
The stairs leading from the Kashi railway station down to the ghat take you towards the sacred river Ganges. These stairs are an important part of the pilgrimage route for many visitors to Varanasi, providing access to the ghats where people come to bathe, offer prayers, and perform religious rituals.
The small bridge-like structure, visible in the image, was designed to provide convenient access for rail passengers, allowing them to directly travel from the bridge to the Kashi railway station.
Even today, this bridge remains in use by pedestrians and cyclists, offering a safe and easy passage over the busy area. It serves as a vital link between the railway station and nearby areas, making travel more efficient for local commuters and visitors alike.
During the British Raj, gunmen were stationed at the bridge to ensure its protection. This was a period marked by heightened security concerns, and strategic locations like the bridge were often guarded to maintain order and prevent potential threats or disturbances. The presence of gunmen symbolized the British authority’s efforts to control and safeguard important infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations and deterring any unrest in the area.
DUFFERIN’S BRIDGE
The book “Dufferin’s Bridge”, published in 1887 AD from Banaras, is a rare historical document, with only 50 copies printed. It provides valuable information about the bridge, including detailed plans, maps, and other crucial details related to the structure.
This book is considered an important piece of history as it offers insights into the construction and strategic significance of the bridge during the British era.
The scarcity of copies makes it a collector’s item for historians and researchers interested in colonial-era infrastructure and its impact on the local communities.
BRITISH RAJ AND RAJ GHAT
In 1781, the people of Varanasi rose against the East India Company, leading to the deaths of hundreds of British soldiers, many of whom were killed in areas like Padao and Ramnagar near Raj Ghat.
The British suffered significant losses again during the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. These uprisings taught the British valuable lessons, and they became cautious, avoiding interference in the religious affairs of the Hindus.
However, even with the construction of the bridge, many Hindus were suspicious and unhappy. The Ganges River was revered as the holiest river in Hinduism, and there were concerns that the British might be attempting to humiliate Hindus by constructing a bridge over it. Some believed this act could anger Ganga Maiya (Mother Ganga) and bring about an epidemic.
To mitigate these fears, the British sought the help of the king of Banaras to reassure the public that the construction of the bridge would not harm the sacredness of the Ganges.
The king’s efforts helped quell the protests, and over time, the people of Varanasi accepted the bridge, acknowledging that it would make the journey for pilgrims much easier.