Mysore: At 270, it could very well be the oldest railway bridge in the world. This oldtimer has entered the pages of history and is creating a record of sorts.

On January 16, the last meter gauge train chugged out of Mysore railway station at 6.25 am. The Chamarajanagar-bound train passed through the same bridge, which will soon be getting a new name. Located near Nanjangud, the Kabini railway bridge measures 54 spans by 8 ft. Today, the bridge is so old that there is no clear record of its history. As per statistics, in 1902, it already existed as a road bridge, sustaining bullock cart traffic.

As per records with the Mysore division of South Western Railways, Reverend Schwartz, who was sent by the British East India Company as their emissary to negotiate with Hyder Ali, has recorded in his memoirs that he crossed the Kabini over this bridge on August 23, 1779.

This piece of history will get a coating of gold, provided it is preserved and maintained for posterity.

Source: TOI(Bangalore-epaper)

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