Punalur Suspension Bridge

The Punalur Suspension Bridge, located in Punalur, India is the 19th century motorable Bridge in Kerala, which was built by Travancore Government and is now a historical attraction. The bridge has a length of 400 feet (120 m). The suspension bridge was built to prevent wild animals from crossing into the town from the forest area of old Kattupathanapuram.

Punalur Suspension Bridge

പുനലൂർ തൂക്കുപാലം
Punalur Suspension Bridge
Coordinates9.017°N 76.926°E / 9.017; 76.926
LocaleKollam District, Punalur, India
Characteristics
MaterialStone, Wood, Steel etc.
Total length400 feet (120 m)
History
ArchitectAlbert Henry
Opened1877
RebuiltAugust–September 2013
Location

History and Construction
arch and column of the bridge with the emblem of Travancore

The Punalur Suspension Bridge is the first motorable bridge in South India. The suspension bridge crossing the river is the only suspended-deck type in south India. Built in 1877 by Albert Henry across the Kallada River, this huge bridge was suspended by two spans and was used for vehicular movement. Construction took more than six years. It is said that after completion of the bridge people hesitated to walk over the bridge. In order to prove the strength of the bridge the engineer and his family passed under the bridge in a country boat while six elephants were walking over it. Now the bridge is of historical interest and is a major tourist attraction.[1]

Reason for the construction
A view of the suspension bridge before renovation

The main concept behind the construction of this bridge was that areas on the other side of the river Kallada was dense forests. A bridge was necessary. It was also built to prevent wild animals from getting to the populated side, a bridge which shakes when someone gets on it was built, this shaking scared off the animals and they wouldn't cross the bridge.[2]

Method of construction
Weight testing of bridge, Relief in Ashramam, Kollam


The bridge is connected to four wells. The iron rods of the bridge is connected to the clips, situated in the wells. Each well is about 100 feet deep and noone since knows the engineering behind the construction of this bridge. It still remains a mystery.

Replacement for the suspension bridge

A new concrete bridge was built near to the Punalur Suspension Bridge in 1972 due to heavy traffic on the National Highway 208, a new strong bridge was built.[3]

Renovation
A full view of the renovated Punalur Suspension Bridge

The bridge was recently repaired and renovated by the government of Kerala. The structure was strengthened, new wood panels of the same tree (Kambakom) which was first used in the construction were fit, the steel armrests and the stone columns were painted, night lamps were installed and a new park and resting place were made near the bridge.[4]

References
  1. "Bridgemeister - 1877 (suspension bridge) - Punalur, Kerala, India". www.bridgemeister.com. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  2. Reason for the construction of the bridge.
  3. "New Bridge construction reason". PixelShots. August 2010.
  4. "Old British Built Hanging Bridge,Punalur tookupalam,one of two Indian Vehicular Suspension Bridges built by British engineers". PixelShots. August 2010.

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