New bridge proposed across Panchganga river

The enormous traffic pressure on the 133-year-old Shivaji Bridge on the Panchganga river will decrease considerably as the public works department (PWD) has planned a new bridge near the existing one. 

The PWD superintending engineer, DG Malekar, said the proposal was submitted to the Union ministry of road transport and highways on December 21 last. “The existing bridge is a masterpiece of British architecture. So, we have to take care that the new bridge does not disturb the beauty of the old one,” Malekar said.  

The bridge was constructed between 1874 and 1878, when the princely state of Kolhapur was ruled by a minor, Chhatrapati Shivaji IV. The political agents, GSA Anderson and F Schneider, and state executive, Raobahaddur Mahadev Vasudev Barve, looked after the state’s affairs.

The design for the bridge was prepared by Major Walter Mardon Ductat of the Royal Engineers. The work was executed by contractor, Ramchandra Mahadev. The bridge is still in good condition and bears heavy traffic going to Konkan. It is situated on the outskirts of the city on the Ratnagiri-Kolhapur national highway.  

“The old bridge has arch-shaped pillars, which makes it stronger than other bridges, although the design is not considered as earthquake-resistant,” Malekar said. The bridge is 21.3m long. It has some galleries, which serve as waiting areas for the public during times of heavy traffic. The bridge has outlets for storm water and ducts for cables.

The proposed bridge will have three spans and a length of 118.15m. There will be footpaths on both sides. The height of the bridge from the river bed will be 22.25m.

“The PWD can construct this bridge in two years after receiving the sanction from the ministry,” he said.