Portion of British-Era Bridge Connecting Kanpur and Unnao Collapses into Ganga

A significant portion of a historic British-era bridge spanning the Ganga River between Kanpur and Unnao collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving the local community reflecting on its past and present condition. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as the bridge had been closed to traffic for nearly four years due to structural concerns.

The bridge, located near the Ganga Ghat in the Shuklaganj area of Unnao district, is believed to have been constructed in 1874 by the Avadh and Rohilkhand Railway Limited Company. Once a vital connection for rail and road transport, the bridge holds historical significance, symbolizing the engineering feats of the colonial era. Over the years, however, it became a relic of a bygone age, eventually being rendered obsolete by newer infrastructure.

The Collapse

According to locals, the bridge partially gave way around 2 a.m. on Tuesday. A section of the structure, positioned between two pillars, crumbled into the river below. "A portion between two pillars of the bridge fell into the Ganga after 2 a.m. No one was hurt as the bridge was closed for traffic," said Ashu Awasthi, a resident of the area.

This incident occurred after years of visible deterioration. In 2021, deep cracks were identified in multiple sections of the bridge. At the time, media reports highlighted structural vulnerabilities in rooms 2, 10, 17, and 22 from the Kanpur side, prompting authorities to close the bridge entirely on April 5, 2021.

News of the collapse spread rapidly, drawing curious locals to the site. Many residents captured videos and photographs of the damaged structure, which quickly circulated on social media. These images served as a stark reminder of the bridge's gradual decline and the need for proactive maintenance of aging infrastructure.

Despite the bridge's closure and eventual collapse, it remains a point of local interest and concern. Krishna Kumar, a resident living along the riverbank, noted that government officials visited the site in the morning, arriving in a vehicle registered in Lucknow. However, no official statement from the authorities was immediately available.

Structural Concerns and Maintenance Challenges

The bridge’s collapse underscores the critical importance of timely maintenance and rehabilitation of old infrastructure. While the bridge had been declared unsafe and decommissioned, the lack of consistent monitoring and preservation led to its inevitable decay. This situation highlights broader challenges faced by heritage structures across the country, many of which struggle to find a balance between preservation and safety.

Public Response

Locals expressed mixed emotions over the incident. On one hand, the collapse of the bridge marked the end of a historic structure that had been part of the community’s identity for nearly 150 years. On the other hand, residents acknowledged the potential hazards posed by the deteriorating structure. The decision to close the bridge in 2021 likely prevented any tragic incidents.

The event also sparked discussions about the responsibility of maintaining historical infrastructure. While the bridge’s operational relevance had diminished over time, its historical and cultural value remained significant to the local community.

Far-reaching Effects

The incident serves as a wake-up call for governments and agencies overseeing historical and functional infrastructure. Many British-era bridges and buildings across India continue to stand as testaments to past engineering but are increasingly susceptible to wear and tear.

The challenge lies in identifying structures that require immediate attention and prioritizing their maintenance or decommissioning. Proactive measures, such as regular inspections, timely repairs, and adequate funding for preservation, could prevent similar incidents.

No official statement was released immediately after the collapse. However, local residents mentioned that officials visited the site in the morning . Their presence indicated an initial assessment of the incident, although further details are awaited