Koilwar Bridge (Abdul Bari Bridge), India’s Oldest Operational Rail-cum-Road Bridge (1862)

Did You Know? India’s Oldest Rail-Cum-Road Bridge Still Stands Strong Since 1862!

When you drive over a bridge, you might never guess it has been carrying trains and vehicles for more than 160 years. Yet, in Bihar, such a marvel quietly exists, a living piece of India’s transport history. Can you imagine a bridge from 1862 still working today?

🏗️ The Birth of Koilwar Bridge

Located over the Sone River near Koilwar in Bihar, the Koilwar Bridge, also known as the Abdul Bari Bridge, was opened in 1862 during the British era. Designed by the engineer James Meadows Rendel, it was Asia’s longest bridge at the time of its inauguration.

🚂 Rail-Cum-Road Heritage

Koilwar was built as a multi-purpose bridge, carrying trains on its upper deck and road vehicles on its lower deck. For decades, it connected eastern India to the rest of the country and became a critical link for freight and passengers alike.

🕰️ Still Operational Today

Even after more than 160 years, Koilwar Bridge still handles railway traffic (with road traffic shifted mostly to a new parallel bridge but still partly allowed). It is officially recognized as India’s oldest operational rail-cum-road bridge, a true engineering milestone.

🛤️ Why This Fact Matters

Most people think of new flyovers or modern expressways when they talk about India’s infrastructure. Koilwar shows that India’s transport network roots run deep, and that 19th-century engineering can still serve 21st-century needs.

Other Facts:

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• Discover India’s Longest River Bridge, Bhupen Hazarika Setu
• Explore India’s First Expressway, Mumbai–Pune Expressway
• Check out India’s First Electric Car “Love Bird”

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