GHMC to restore Yakutpura’s ‘London Bridge’ with Rs. 2.95 crore

The GHMC has sanctioned Rs. 2.95 crore to restore a small bridge in Yakutpura, popularly known as ‘London Bridge’. Though unrelated to its namesake in the UK, the bridge earned its name from local residents during post-rain repairs. Narrow and used only by two-wheelers, the bridge is set to be widened to accommodate larger vehicles.

Hyderabad: London Bridge is falling down and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is stepping in to restore it.

It may sound strange, but here’s the story: In Old City’s Yakutpura locality, there’s a London Bridge that is in poor condition. To fix it up, the GHMC has set aside a budget of Rs. 2.95 crore.

---

The small bridge running over a nala at Hafeznagar in Yakutpura is a well-known landmark in this part of the city. The bridge is narrow and only two-wheelers can pass through it.

“There are plans to widen the bridge to facilitate the movement of bigger vehicles as there are several colonies on either side of the bridge,” said Abdul Wasay, GHMC Corporator, Rein Bazaar.

The proposals for rebuilding the bridge were submitted some time ago and sanction was accorded recently by the GHMC. “The works are expected to start soon after the monsoon season ends,” he added.

But how did the bridge come to be called the “London Bridge”? The story goes that during a heavy downpour, several small bridges over the Chandrayangutta to Chaderghat nala were damaged. The nala passing through Hafeeznagar had two small crossing points – one for pedestrians and another for two-wheelers.

While preparing estimates to repair the nala bridges, the officials enquired with the locals about the name of the bridge used by vehicles. Since it had no specific name, the locals discussed among themselves and decided to name it simply London Bridge! No relation to the famed bridge in London, United Kingdom, but the locals amused themselves by naming it after the iconic structure.

A local resident, Syed Siraj, shared another story. Youngsters would often hang around the bridge late into the night and when asked where they were, they would reply, ‘We are at London Bridge’. “What started as a playful reference eventually became the name of the bridge,” he said.

Moizuddin, another local resident, said that the bridge is a landmark for locals. “On Yakutpura road, you ask anyone about London Bridge and people will guide you to the location. Over the time, it has become a popular reference among people while navigating the area,” he said.