Koilwar Bridge
Sub Place Details: The Koilwar Bridge, officially known as the Abdul Bari Bridge, is a monumental engineering feat spanning the mighty Son River. Opened in 1862, it is one of the oldest operational rail-cum-road bridges in India and was the longest bridge in the subcontinent at the time of its inaug uration. Designed by the famous British engineer George Turnbull, the bridge connects the Bhojpur district with the state capital, Patna. The bridge is a fascinating example of 19th-century British industrial architecture, featuring a unique steel lattice girder design that has stood the test of time for over 160 years. It played a critical role in the development of the Indian Railways, facilitating the movement of troops and goods during the colonial era. The bridge is famous not just for its engineering but also for its cinematic history, as it was featured in Richard Attenborough's Oscar-winning film Gandhi. Walking along the banks of the Son River near the bridge offers a breathtaking view of the structure against the vast expanse of the sandy riverbed. The area is also famous for its high-quality sand, which is a major part of the local economy. Today, while a new six-lane bridge has been built alongside to handle the heavy modern traffic, the old Koilwar Bridge remains a symbol of durability and historic pride for the people of Bihar. It is a must-visit for engineering enthusiasts and history lovers who want to witness a living piece of India's transport heritage.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Heritage / EngineeringEntry Fees:
Sub Place Entry Fees:
No Entry Fee: There is no charge to view the bridge or walk on the public road sections.
Toll Fee: Commercial vehicles may have to pay a toll on the new parallel bridge, but the old brid...Sub Place Entry Fees:
No Entry Fee: There is no charge to view the bridge or walk on the public road sections.
Toll Fee: Commercial vehicles may have to pay a toll on the new parallel bridge, but the old bridge is largely for local use and rail.Timing:
Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: The bridge is a public infrastructure and is accessible 24/7.
Ideal Visit Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM is the perfect window to enjoy the scenic beauty and the cooler river bre...Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: The bridge is a public infrastructure and is accessible 24/7.
Ideal Visit Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM is the perfect window to enjoy the scenic beauty and the cooler river breeze.Special Events:
Sub Place Special Event:
Chhath Puja: The riverbanks near the bridge witness a massive gathering of devotees during this major Bihari festival in November.
Centenary Celebrations: Occasional heritage runs and...Sub Place Special Event:
Chhath Puja: The riverbanks near the bridge witness a massive gathering of devotees during this major Bihari festival in November.
Centenary Celebrations: Occasional heritage runs and local government events are held to celebrate the bridge's long service to the nation.Best Photo Spots:
Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
Western Bank: The view from the Arrah side during sunset provides a perfect silhouette of the entire 1. 4 km length of the bridge.
Under the Spans: Shooting from directly beneath t...Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
Western Bank: The view from the Arrah side during sunset provides a perfect silhouette of the entire 1. 4 km length of the bridge.
Under the Spans: Shooting from directly beneath the bridge emphasizes the massive stone work and the intricate steel lattice.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sub Place Things to Do:
Train Spotting: Watch a train pass over the upper deck while standing on the riverbank to experience the vibration and sound of the old steel.
Riverbank Picnic: Spend an afternoon on the sandy banks of the Son River during the dry season for a family outing.
Photography: Capture the repetitive patterns of the lattice girders which create amazing geometric leading lines for your photos.
Boating: During the post-monsoon season, you can hire a local boat to go under the bridge and see the massive stone piers up close.
Visit New Bridge: Walk on the new parallel bridge to get a bird's-eye view of the historic old structure.
Learn Engineering: St...
Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous Sub Place: It is famous as India's oldest operational rail-cum-road bridge and a vital link between western and eastern India for over a century.
Cinematic Legacy: The bridge gained international fame after appearing in the movie ...Why Famous Sub Place: It is famous as India's oldest operational rail-cum-road bridge and a vital link between western and eastern India for over a century.
Cinematic Legacy: The bridge gained international fame after appearing in the movie Gandhi, representing 20th-century Indian infrastructure. -
Architecture:
Sub Place Architecture: The bridge features a "Lattice Girder" design, which uses a series of intersecting metal beams to create a strong yet lightweight structure.
Dimension: The bridge has a total length of 1,440 meters (4,722 feet) consis...Sub Place Architecture: The bridge features a "Lattice Girder" design, which uses a series of intersecting metal beams to create a strong yet lightweight structure.
Dimension: The bridge has a total length of 1,440 meters (4,722 feet) consisting of 28 spans, each approximately 150 feet long. It was originally built with two railway tracks on the upper deck and a two-lane road on the lower deck. The piers are made of heavy stone masonry to withstand the powerful currents of the Son River during the monsoon season. -
How To Reach:
Sub Place How to Reach:
By Air: Patna Airport is the closest (45 KM). The drive from the airport to the bridge takes about 1. 5 hours.
By Train: Koilwar Railway Station is right at the foot of the bridge. M... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Maner Sharif (15 KM), 2. Arrah City (20 KM), 3. Aranya Devi Temple (22 KM), 4. Jain Sidhant Bhawan (21 KM), 5. Patna (40 KM), 6. Masarh (32 KM), 7. Jagdishpur Fort (55 KM), 8. Bihia (45 KM), 9. Danapur (30 KM), 10. Chhapra (via bridge) (25 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Sub Place Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: Be careful while walking on the riverbanks as the sand can be loose and deep near the water.
Packing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunglasses as the reflec...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(521+) of Bihar Has Been Added :-
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