Padma Shri Girish Bharadwaj, the 'Bridge Man of India', dies at 76
Girish Bharadwaj, the renowned civil engineer and Padma Shri awardee popularly known as the 'Bridge Man of India', passed away on 7 July 2026 at the age of 76. He designed and constructed more than 150 eco-friendly, low-cost hanging footbridges across rural villages in Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
Legacy of connecting remote communities
Bharadwaj's innovative bridge designs provided safe and affordable access to isolated communities, often spanning rivers and ravines where conventional bridges were too expensive or impractical. His work significantly improved the lives of thousands of villagers, enabling easier access to schools, markets, and healthcare facilities.
According to local officials, his bridges were built using locally available materials and minimal machinery, reducing costs by up to 60% compared to traditional construction methods. Each bridge typically cost between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh and could be completed in a few weeks.
Recognition and awards
In 2020, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to social work and rural infrastructure. He was also honored by various state governments and engineering bodies for his pioneering work in sustainable bridge construction.
"He was a true humanitarian who used his engineering skills to bridge the gap between rural communities and opportunities," said a senior official from the Karnataka Public Works Department. "His loss is irreparable."
Impact on rural development
Bharadwaj's bridges not only provided connectivity but also promoted local economic growth. Farmers could transport produce more easily, children could attend school year-round, and emergency services reached remote hamlets faster. His work has been studied by engineering colleges as a model for low-cost infrastructure in developing regions.
He often said, "A bridge is not just concrete and steel; it is a lifeline for the people." His dedication to serving the underprivileged through innovative engineering earned him admiration across the country.
