In the presence of various dignitaries, a special documentary about the “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bridge” will also be released.
PUNE: This Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bridge, which connects Shaniwar Wada with the offices of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). A special event has been planned to mark the milestone.

Rao Bahadur Ganpatrao Mahadeo Kenjale constructed the bridge during the British era under the supervision of Sir George Lloyd, who was the governor of the Bombay Presidency at the time. The bridge runs from the Mangala Theatre to in front of Shaniwar Wada. (HT IMAGE)
Rao Bahadur Ganpatrao Mahadeo Kenjale constructed the bridge during the British era under the supervision of Sir George Lloyd, who was the governor of the Bombay Presidency at the time. The bridge runs from the Mangala Theatre to in front of Shaniwar Wada. (HT IMAGE)

As the cornerstone is placed to the echoing beat of dhol-taasha, the bridge will be festooned with flowers and traditional rangoli. In the presence of various dignitaries, a special documentary about the “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bridge” will also be unveiled.

Rao Bahadur Ganpatrao Mahadeo Kenjale’s second great-grandson, Abhijit Kenjale, stated that the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bridge is a monument that was constructed in 1923 to connect ‘Bhamburda’ to Pune. It divided Pune into its eastern and western halves. During the British era, my second great-grandfather earned the title of Rao Bahadur for his contributions to public welfare, which included the construction of this bridge. Lieutenant Colonel E S Prose, who oversaw the development of public infrastructure for the British government, came up with the idea for the bridge.

“The bridge, constructed of black basalt, is not only a symbol of durable workmanship that has lasted the test of time, but also an architectural wonder with beautiful carvings on both sides. It still serves as a landmark in modern times, guarding the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) center and acting as a link between the PMC and the ancient Shaniwar Wada. The PMC has granted the bridge, which spans the Mutha River, grade 2 heritage designation, he said.

Source- Hindustan times
Link- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/standing-tall-shivaji-bridge-to-complete-a-century-on-sunday-101694803105939.html