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Adyar Bridge: 130 Years of History, 18 Arches, Floods, and a New Path
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News18•20-09-2026, 13:17
Adyar Bridge: 130 Years of History, 18 Arches, Floods, and a New Path
- •The Elphinstone Bridge, built in the 1840s, was named after John Elphinstone, Governor of Madras.
- •This 18-arch structure was crucial for transport development in Mylapore, Santhome, and Adyar.
- •Damaged by a severe cyclone and Adyar floods in 1876–78, the bridge was repaired and remained in use.
- •With Chennai's growth, the old bridge's use declined after the Thiru. Vi. Ka. Bridge opened in 1973.
- •Later, water and sewage pipes were laid over the Elphinstone Bridge, and its upper part was covered with concrete slabs.
Key Questions Answered
Built in the 1840s with 18 arches, the Elphinstone Bridge was named after John Elphinstone, who served as the Governor of Madras from 1837 to 1842.
A severe cyclone and the Adyar floods in 1876–78 caused damage to a part of the bridge, but the structure was not completely destroyed and remained in public use for many years following repairs.
The Elphinstone Bridge was removed from road traffic following the opening of the nearby Thiru. Vi. Ka. Bridge in 1973, as vehicular traffic had increased with Chennai's growth and the old bridge's usage had declined.
