The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Building bridges an art

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 21, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Building bridges an art

By Suresh Krishnamoorthy

HYDERABAD, DEC. 20. In the past, if people ever thought building bridges was a science, they were right. But not anymore, because building the steel and concrete structures is seen as an art these days.

"They are increasingly seen as works of art and should be conceptualised to look beautiful from every angle," says M.C. Bhide, a bridge engineer with three decades with the Indian Railways.

A founder of the Indian Institution of Bridge Engineers (IIBE), he says that bridges should have an aesthetic sense and appeal to everyone.

He told The Hindu that bridges and flyovers have to be approved by a commission of art, like in France and other European nations. He has been advocating the cause for some years now and has written to the Union Ministry of Surface Transport.

Long-standing passion

"All that is required is for prominent locals, including artists, poets and sociologists to be included in the committee and given a say in the design stages," he says, adding it was important for them to look artistic for people have to cherish the sight for the next 100 years or so.

His passion for bridges started at the age of six, when he built earthen structures in his backyard.

A poet, Mr. Bhide has penned 107 thus far and his subjects include flowers, the moon, the sea and just about anything that is normally pleasing to the eye and leaves one wanting for more. His dream is to make a film on the glory of bridges in India, in just 14 minutes.

He has the script ready and is very clear about where he will start. "I want my film to be a tribute to bridges that span the mighty Brahmaputra, Ganges, Pamba and Godavari," he says.

There are 5.5 lakh bridges in India, the longest being the 5.750-km long structure one at Patna over the Ganges. He has a pat for Hyderabad and appreciates the landscaping under the city's flyovers.

Remember John Keats who said a thing of beauty was a joy forever ? Mr. Bhide simply makes it the plural and says bridges have to be made beauties forever.

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