Rajahmundry Godavari Bridge

Few places just become as important as the landmarks of a particular region. One such location is the Rajahmundry Godavari Bridge. This is not a normal bridge, but something that changed the whole area of Rajahmundry for the better. From the time of its construction it fueled the need of the area and symbolized the area with its name too. Today Rajahmundry and Godavari Bridge are inseparable. That itself speaks for the significance and importance of this particular location. If you are interested in knowing everything about the Rajahmundry Godavari Bridge then you are at the correct place. In this article I will be mentioning everything that you need to know about the Godavari Bridge. So keep on reading the whole article because by the end of it you will be fully enriched.

About Godavari Bridge

This is a truss bridge formed across the Godavari River. As we all know, Godavari is one of the longest and largest rivers in India. At one point of time there was a need to make some form of communication over the Godavari. To fulfill that purpose this bridge was commissioned by the South Central Railway division. Also known as Kovvur Rajahmundry Bridge, the Godavari Bridge is Asia’s longest Rail cum Road Bridge that crosses a water body.

Furthermore the Godavari Bridge length is 4.2 km in total out of which 2.7 km is rail and 4.2 km is road. One of the significance of this bridge is the way it represented Rajahmundry and its tradition, culture, art and media. Rajahmundry as a city is known as the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh for its economy, tourism, art, culture, floriculture, agriculture and more, and the Godavari Bridge stands as one of the major contributing factors that led to the growth of this enriched city. Furthermore the bridge also stood as a point of communication for Rajahmundry with other connecting places and increased connectivity. In that way the formation of the bridge facilitated trade, helped in the development and also became one of the recognized symbols of Rajahmundry.

Construction of the Godavari Bridge

The Third Five year plan came with the idea of doubling the railway tracks between Chennai and Howrah. Almost all the major tracks were doubled leaving behind a small stretch between Kovvur and Rajahmundry. Later in 1964 the construction of the Godavari Bridge was sanctioned. It was proposed by the Andhra Pradesh Government to add a road deck over the rail bridge. In a way that would have facilitated the doubling of railway track between Chennai and Howrah and further that would ease communication. During early 1970s the construction of the Godavari Bridge was started by a group of companies of the Bharat Bhari Udyog Nigam Limited known as the Braithwaite, Burn and Jessop Construction Company. After the completion the Godavari Bridge became Asia’s longest rail-cum-road bridge. The then President of India Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed inaugurated this bridge in 1974.

History of Godavari Bridge

The Godavari Bridge is the second bridge of the three bridges. At first the old Godavari Bridge or the Havelock Bridge was built in 1897 by Frederick Thomas Granville Walton. It was about a 2754 meter long bridge. However, being constructed with steel girders and stone masonry. This bridge was one of the marvelous examples of British Engineering and British model of construction. But in the year 1997 the bridge was decommissioned as it has already served its tenure. In its place the Godavari Arch Bridge was made in 1997 and it is the third bridge in the Rajahmundry location. This present bridge is constructed by the Hindustan Construction Company.

Furthermore in 2003 this bridge was opened to the regular public. It can actually fit 350 km/hr of rail services. Alongside this bridge is also one of the longest concrete arch bridges in the whole of Asia. Later in 2015 the fourth bridge, the New Kovvur- Rajahmundry Bridge, was opened to the general public in 2015.

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What is so special about the Rajahmundry Godavari Bridge

The utility and service that this bridge provides is what makes it one of the most unique arch bridges. At the location of the bridge the river Godavari flows with a width of 2.5 km. Later it splits into two channels creating an island in between. On top of it the bridge runs with a road deck over the single track rail deck. Along with being a bridge that facilitated the communication and transportation of the area, the Godavari Bridge also represents the whole Rajahmundry area.

Furthermore this is like a landmark for the region and the location has been used in many Tollywood movies as well. The site is also one of the sources of tourism in the area because of its picturesque location and the breathtaking views that it offers.

Furthermore because of the advent of tourism these days the site is becoming popular and gaining momentum. The visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of the Godavari River or even indulge in boating in the waters of the river here. The location is also ideal for taking many picture perfect photographs as well. The Rajahmundry Pushkara Ghat is yet another popular spot that a lot of people can visit. This is located just in between the Havelock and Godavari Arch Bridges.

Locations like Godavari Bridge are like the lifeline of the area it is situated in. So much of historical importance and present day relevance is related to this particular bridge that you simply cannot name Rajahmundry without naming the Godavari Bridge. With the facilitation of communication and transport the Rajahmundry Godavari Bridge became one of the shining symbols that people recognize the area by. Also the beautiful view and the construction of the bridge is like one of the wonders. Certainly the Godavari bridge photos don’t really justify how beautiful it looks as a panoramic view. If you ever get a chance to travel via this location you must take a note of this bridge for sure. Do let me know if this article was helpful for you in knowing everything about the Godavari Rajahmundry Bridge. I would love to know that.