Withstanding nature’s fury: British-era bridge still stands tall over Sutlej River

Structure now on brink of collapse, may cause major incident

BAHAWALPUR: One of the oldest railway bridges in Pakistan is still standing strong despite lack of maintenance by the authorities concerned.

The railway bridge on Sutlej River was built in 1826 during the reign of Nawab Bahawal Khan III by the British rulers for transporting goods and passengers. In order to construct a strong structure, long iron bars were joined together and hundreds of labourers worked day and night to complete the mighty structutre.

Earlier, the bridge used to have one track and only one train could pass from Bahawalpur State.

However, in 1926, the renovation and upgradation of railway track project was given to Rendel Palmer and Tritton Consulting Engineering Firm. The firm completed the project in three years and by 1929, the line was upgraded to two tracks.

The route connects Upper Punjab to Sindh and is still considered the most vital part of the trade in this zone.

The track and bridge were not maintained and only minor upgradation has been done by the previous governments. Despite standing for decades and bearing harsh weather conditions, the bridge is now on the brink of collapse.

The wear and tear could result in a major incident claiming innocent lives.

While speaking to The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity, a railway official said, “During my entire service, I have never seen that funds were allocated for the maintenance of the railway bridge.” He added, “The railway department engineers visit the bridge to fulfill formalities and report its condition as good.”

Allah Baksh who lives near Sutlej Bridge told The Express Tribune that he is 50-years-old and have lived his whole life in the area.

“This bridge is very strong as it has survived floods and harsh weather conditions,” he said.  He maintained the bridge holds too much importance for Bahawalpur Division as it connects it to upper Punjab.

Similarly, Akram Khan, resident of Aziz Colony, Bahawalpur, said, “I think this bridge holds historic value for Bahawalpur and the government should take immediate steps to ensure that this bridge remains strong.” He pointed out the maintenance of the structure should be carried out on regular basis so it could not result in a tragedy.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2016.