Did you know this bridge has witnessed centuries of Chennai’s history? This is the Commander-In-Chief Bridge. It stands as a testament to British engineering. Let’s step back in time. Imagine Chennai in 1825.
The British needed ways to cross Chennai’s waterways. The city had two natural rivers, the Cooum and Adyar. It also had two man-made waterways, the Buckingham Canal and Otteri Nullah. Boats were the primary mode of transport. But they were not always reliable. Bridges became essential.
Initially, this bridge was called Binny Bridge. The name Commander-In-Chief Bridge came later. It got its name because of its proximity to the Commander-in-Chief’s residence. Back then, this area housed the city’s elite. The Commander-in-Chief was the supremo of the Madras Army.
The Commander-In-Chief Bridge originally served as a causeway. Over time, it transformed into the arch bridge we see today. Notice the five arches. According to historian D Hemachandra Rao, the bridge has five arches. Rao spent years studying Chennai’s bridges. He found that most arch bridges up to the Cooum River have five arches. Though other bridges also have five arches, each one differs in construction.
These arches are not just for show. They provide structural support. They allow water to flow freely. The arches also add to the bridge’s aesthetic appeal. The shape is very beautiful.
The British built the Commander-In-Chief Bridge with brick, mortar and lime. They designed it to carry bullock carts, not modern cars. Yet, it still bears the weight of Chennai’s traffic. That shows the strength of its construction.
Bridges were often named after landmarks or people. This bridge was near the Commander-in-Chief’s garden house. Hence, the name Commander-in-Chief Bridge. Naming bridges became a trend in 1818. Major De Havilland suggested naming the bridges.
Today, the Commander-In-Chief Bridge is more than just a way to cross the road. It is a historical landmark. As you cross this bridge, remember its past. Think of the people who built it. Consider the changes it has witnessed. The Commander-In-Chief Bridge stands as a silent guardian. It connects Chennai’s past and present.