Bridge Man Of India, Padmasree Girish Bharadwaj Passes Away At 76

Mangaluru: Padma Shri awardee Girish Bharadwaj, popularly known as the ‘Bridge Man of India’ for his construction of low-cost suspension bridges in remote parts of the country, passed away at a private hospital in Sullia on Tuesday. He was 76 years old.

Bharadwaj is survived by two sons and a daughter.

Bharadwaj, a graduate in mechanical engineering from PES College of Engineering in Mandya, built the first suspension pedestrian bridge over the Payaswini river at Arambur in Dakshina Kannada in 1989. The project marked the beginning of a career dedicated to improving connectivity in villages separated by rivers and difficult terrain.

While these suspension bridges connect isolated villages to neighboring towns and essential services, many have also become a tourist attraction.

Over a period of nearly four decades, he designed and constructed approximately 140 suspension footbridges across India. While most were built in Karnataka and then Kerala, he also built bridges in Telangana and Odisha.

In recognition of his contribution to rural connectivity, the Union government conferred upon him the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, for social work in 2017. He also received many other awards.

Its bridges have provided year-round access to schools, hospitals, markets and workplaces for thousands of people living in remote villages, especially during the monsoon season.