Irumbu Palam (Iron Bridge) in Thrippunithura, Kerala is one of the earliest iron bridges in India. The bridge was built across the Champakara canal (part of National Waterway 3) connecting Tripunithura and Poonithura which is part of the present Kochi Municipal Corporation. It was built by the British in 1890 during the reign of Keralavarma V. The bridge, which is still in use is considered as an heritage landmark of the city of Thrippunithura.[1]
Iron Bridge ഇരുമ്പ് പാലം | |
|---|---|
 Entry to the bridge | |
| Coordinates | 9°56′42″N 76°20′25″E / 9.94504°N 76.34014°E |
| Locale | Thrippunithura, Ernakulam Kerala, India |
| Other name(s) | Irumbu Palam |
| Characteristics | |
| Material | Cast iron |
| History | |
| Constructed by | Westwood Bailey Engineering Construction |
| Opened | 1890 |
| Location | |
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History
editThe bridge was built by Westwood Bailey Engineering Construction Company of London at a time when there was welding not used for construction works in India. The piers of the bridge are made of cast iron. In the days when there was no piling like today, cast iron pillars were installed in the river. Parts for the bridge were assembled from Britain.[2]
Before the construction of the Tripunithura Mini Bypass, people used to rely on this bridge to travel from Maradu and Gandhi Square to Tripunithura and back. Footbridges were also added to it later on for the smooth passage of pedestrians.[3]
References
edit- ^ "The bridge over the Padinjare Puzha". The Hindu. 18 September 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- ^ "It's not water under Irumbu Palam". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- ^ "127-year-old 'Irumbu Paalam' is now a foot overbridge". The Economic Times. 10 November 2017. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 22 July 2023.