Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bridge completes a momentous 100 years on September 17.
The heritage landmark which begins at Mangala Theatre and alights in front of Shaniwar Wada was built by Raobahadur Ganpatrao Mahadeo Kenjale during the British Rule under the aegis of Sir George Lloyd, the then governor of Bombay Presidency.
It was then known as Lloyd Bridge and renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bridge after India won independence.
A special celebration is being organised by the Kenjale family at 3pm on September 17 on the Shaniwar Wada side of the bridge.
The historic event is open to all. A cornerstone marking the completion of 100 years of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bridge will be laid by Chandrakant Patil-Guardian Minister of Pune.
PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar, Additional PMC Commissioner Vikas Dhakane along with Ramesh Kenjale, Milind Kenjale , Kuber Kenjale, Kailas Kenjale and Kenjale Family, the descendants of Raobahadur Ganpatrao Mahadeo Kenjale will be present on the occasion.
Speaking about the event, Abhijit Kenjale, the second great-grandson of Raobahadur Ganpatrao Mahadeo Kenjale, said, “ The bridge is a landmark built to connect Bhamburda to Pune in 1923. It split the city into Eastern Pune and Western Pune. My second great-grandfather was given the title of Raobahadur during British rule for his work in Public Welfare, and building this bridge was one of them. The bridge was conceptualised by Lt Col ES Prose who was in charge of developing public infrastructure in the British Government.”
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“Built with black basalt, the bridge is not just a testament of strong quality work which has withstood the test of time, but also an architectural marvel with delicate carvings on both sides. In current times as well, it serves as a landmark that connects PMC with the historic Shaniwar Wada, and oversees Pune’s Public Transport System, PMPML’s hub. The bridge, which lies over Mutha River, has been given Grade-II heritage status by PMC,” he added further.
The bridge is being readied for the commemorative ceremony and will be decorated with flowers and traditional ‘rangoli’. The cornerstone will be laid with great pomp and show, and the customary ‘dhol-taasha’.
The event will also include unveiling of a special documentary made on ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Bridge’ in the presence of many dignitaries from Pune.
A huge helping hand has been extended by PMC officials and BJP Pune Chief Dheraj Ghate in organising the event.
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