Mattancherry Bridge

Mattancherry Bridge spans 486 meters across Vembanad Lake, connecting the western mainland of Kochi with Willingdon Island through steel and concrete construction.

The original structure, built in 1940 under Sir Robert Bristow's supervision, featured a central lift mechanism allowing large ships to pass through to Cochin Port.

Local residents refer to the old bridge as the London Bridge of Kochi due to its British engineering techniques and architectural similarities to Thames River bridges.

While the new bridge constructed in 1998 handles heavy traffic, the preserved old structure remains operational for two-wheelers and pedestrians crossing between islands.

Engineers tested the original bridge's structural strength by having elephants walk across it, demonstrating the durability of colonial-era infrastructure.

Official opening: 1998

GPS coordinates: 9.93722,76.26646

Latest update: March 22, 2025 07:19