Zero Bridge
Zero Bridge | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Coordinates | 34°4′11.23″N 74°49′48″E / 34.0697861°N 74.83000°E |
| Carries | Pedestrian pathway |
| Crosses | Jhelum |
| Locale | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Followed by | Abdullah Bridge |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Wooden Arch Bridge |
| Material | Wood |
| Total length | 160 metres (520 ft) |
| Width | 9 metres (30 ft) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1950s |
| Closed | Late 1980s (vehicular traffic) |
| Location | |
 | |
Zero Bridge is a historic wooden arch pedestrian bridge in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. It spans the Jhelum River, connecting the Sonwar neighbourhood on the north bank with Rajbagh on the south.[1]
History
[edit]Zero Bridge was constructed in the late 1950s under the leadership of then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad. The bridge measured approximately 160 metres in length and 9 metres in width, initially accommodating both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. By the late 1980s, its structural integrity deteriorated, prompting officials to ban vehicular use.[2]
In 2012, authorities dismantled major portions of the deck and supports due to safety concerns. Restoration was undertaken by the Jammu & Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation Ltd (JKPCC) using traditional materials and techniques. The restoration project cost around ₹11 crore.[3][4]
Etymology
[edit]The origin of the name "Zero Bridge" is explained in two popular ways. First, it stands upstream of Amira Kadal, which is considered the "first" bridge in Srinagar, thereby earning the name "Zero" as a precursor.[5]
Alternatively, a local tale attributes the name to a deaf Kashmiri contractor known as “Zorr” (meaning "deaf" in Kashmiri), which eventually evolved linguistically into “Zero”.[6]
Architecture and Design
[edit]Zero Bridge was rebuilt using traditional materials such as Deodar and walnut timber. The design retained its original wooden-arch aesthetics, with careful attention to historical authenticity. Concrete was deliberately avoided to preserve the structure’s heritage character.[6][5]
Current Status and Use
[edit]Now closed to vehicles, Zero Bridge serves exclusively as a pedestrian walkway. Modern alternatives like Abdullah Bridge handle vehicular traffic. The bridge has since become a community promenade and photography spot offering scenic river views and wooden benches.[6]
As part of the city’s broader riverfront revitalization, Zero Bridge became the focal point of the Jhelum Riverfront project. In 2023, authorities extended pedestrian pathways linking the bridge to the GPO area of Srinagar, enhancing its accessibility and integration with the city’s public spaces.[7]
Cultural and Civic Importance
[edit]Zero Bridge remains a nostalgic landmark for Srinagar’s residents, many of whom remember cycling or walking across it in their youth. It has featured in several films and public campaigns over the years. In 2011, conservation groups and citizens opposed proposals to demolish the structure, advocating for its restoration as a piece of living heritage.[8][6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Zero Bridge‑ renowned landmarks of city". Brighter Kashmir. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ PTI (5 April 2012). "Srinagar's Zero Bridge soon to open for traffic". NDTV. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Kashmir's iconic Zero Bridge dismantled". NDTV. 4 April 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Zero bridge misses deadline, 20% work done so far". Daily Excelsior. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Srinagar's heritage site, Zero Bridge craves for attention". Rising Kashmir. 12 January 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Kashmir's iconic Zero Bridge dismantled". NDTV (IANS). 4 April 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Jhelum Riverfront Zero Bridge to GPO inaugurated". Kashmir Reader. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "Demolition creates new bridges". Hindustan Times. 10 May 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2025.