Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge

Bridge
8°58′03″N 77°05′27″E / 8.96738°N 77.09084°E / 8.96738; 77.09084CarriesIndian RailwaysCrossesvalley in KazhuthuruttyOther name(s)13 Arch BridgeCharacteristicsDesignArch bridgeMaterialRocks, limestone, and jaggery (Surki method)Total length102.72 meters (337.0 ft)Height5.18 meters (17.0 ft)No. of spans13Rail characteristicsNo. of tracks1Track gaugeBroad gauge (5 ft 6 in)HistoryConstruction start1900Construction end1903Inaugurated1904LocationMap

The Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge, also called the "13 Arch Bridge", is a historic British-era structure on the Kollam-Sengottai railway line in India.[1][2][3] It is situated at Kazhuthurutty in the Kollam district of Kerala.[4] The bridge is a part of one of India's oldest mountain rail lines and was constructed by the British in 1904 to transport goods from Kollam to Madras.[5] The bridge was constructed with just rocks, limestone, and jaggery (Surki method), and it has 13 arches. The bridge, which connects two hillocks, is supported by thirteen granite pillars that are about 100 feet tall.[6] The bridge is sandwiched by the River Kazhuthurutti on one side and the Kollam Thirumangalam National Highway (NH 744) on the other.

Gallery

  • View of the bridge during monsoon (before renovation).
    View of the bridge during monsoon (before renovation).
  • View of the bridge during summer (before renovation).
    View of the bridge during summer (before renovation).

References

  1. ^ "The ancient heritage behind our railway bridges". Rediff.
  2. ^ "Thenmala, India's First Planned Eco-Tourism Destination Is Full of Scenic Surprises". The better India.
  3. ^ "Meter Gauge viaduct on the Quilon-Tenkasi line". Google Arts & Culture.
  4. ^ "Lesser Known Kerala Mountain Railways: Treat for Nature Lovers!". Be on the road.
  5. ^ "Vestibule between ages going out of view". The Hindu.
  6. ^ "New train to Chennai to cut travel by 3 hours". Deccan Chronicle.