Jamna Bridge

The Jamna Bridge, which had to be crossed to get out of Delhi had its own share of history with Shri Nathji. Shri Nathji would suggested to Hh Pran Nathji and HH Priya Nath that they throw some coins into the river Jamna as an offering, even as the car crossed the massive iron bridge. This was to become a routine with Shri Nathji. Every time they crossed the river Jamna over the bridge, Shri Nathji would shut his eyes and bless the river, even as the boys threw coins into its waters from the open window of the car.

The old Yamuna Bridge or Bridge No. 249 in technical railway parlance, was constructed in 1866 by the East India Railway at a cost of £16,16,335. It was built with a total length of 2,640 feet and consisted of 12 spans of 202.5 feet each. With the completion of this bridge, two principal cities of North India, Kolkata and Delhi, were connected by the Railways; this being the last link of the trunk line on this route. In 1913, this was converted into a double line by adding down line girders of 12 spans of 202 feet each and 2 end spans of 42 feet to the bridge. For the movement of road traffic, two road bridges were provided below the lines. An old photograph of the bridhe taken in 1880 is given here. The entry of trains into Delhi Junction Railway Station, in such close proximity to the Red Fort, never ceases to impress the rail traveller, reminding all that after the Uprising of 1857, Delhi was a fortified city. The old Yamuna Bridge has an identical twin, a bridge further downstream at Naini on the Allahabad — Mughalsarai section of the now North Central Railways.

 The old Yamuna Bridge, with its huge iron girders, will be history when the new bridge, under construction a little way upstream on the Yamuna, becomes operational. But it would certainly not mean curtains for this iron monster and it will continue to remain one of the most famous landmarks of the city. Its role will be limited to carrying road traffic from East Delhi to Central Delhi and back. So the road section of the Bridge witch Sri Nathji took will be open for the admirers.