Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge Explained

Bridge Name:Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge
Coordinates:8.9674°N 77.0908°W
Carries:Indian Railways
Crosses:valley in Kazhuthurutty
Location:Kazhuthurutty
Other Name:13 Arch Bridge
Design:Arch bridge
Material:rocks, limestone, and jaggery (Surki method)
Length:102.72 meters (337.0 ft)
Height:5.18 meters (17.0 ft)
Number Spans:13
Num Track:1
Track Gauge:Broad gauge (5 ft 6 in)
Begin:1900
Complete:1903
Inaugurated:1904

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.

Notes and References

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