By Saurav Mehra Morbi Bridge, popularly known as the Morbi Suspension Bridge or Jhulto Pul, was one of Gujarat’s most famous historic pedestrian bridges located over the Machchhu River in Morbi city. The bridge was widely recognized for its British-era architecture, hanging suspension design, and tourism importance. It connected the Darbargadh Palace area with Nazarbag and other parts of Morbi city.
The bridge became internationally known after the tragic 2022 Morbi bridge collapse, one of India’s deadliest bridge disasters. Despite the tragedy, the bridge remains historically important because of its royal heritage and engineering legacy.
Quick Overview of Morbi Bridge
| Feature | Details |
| Popular Name | Morbi Bridge / Jhulto Pul |
| Official Type | Suspension Footbridge |
| Location | Morbi, Gujarat |
| State | Gujarat |
| River | Machchhu River |
| Built In | 19th century |
| Famous For | Historic hanging bridge |
| Bridge Type | Pedestrian suspension bridge |
| Length | Around 230 meters |
| Nearby Areas | Darbargadh, Nazarbag, Mahaprabhuji |
| Nearest Railway Station | Morbi Railway Station |
| Nearest Airport | Rajkot Airport |
| Major Event | 2022 bridge collapse tragedy |
Location of Morbi Bridge
Morbi Bridge was located across the Machchhu River in Morbi city of Gujarat. The bridge connected important parts of the old royal city including Darbargadh Palace and Nazarbag Palace regions.
Its central location made it one of Morbi’s top tourist attractions and a well-known city landmark.
Directions to Reach Morbi Bridge Area
Reaching the Morbi Bridge area is possible through roads, railways, and nearby airports.
By Road
Travelers can reach Morbi through:
- Rajkot–Morbi Highway
- Ahmedabad routes
- Jamnagar routes
- State highway networks
Private buses, taxis, and Gujarat State Transport buses regularly connect Morbi with major Gujarat cities.
By Train
Morbi Railway Station is the nearest railway station connected with Rajkot and other parts of Gujarat.
By Air
Rajkot Airport is the nearest major airport connected through road transport toward Morbi.
History of Morbi Bridge
Morbi Bridge was built during British rule in the 19th century. Different reports mention that the bridge was constructed in the 1880s by Waghji Thakore, the ruler of the princely state of Morbi.
The suspension bridge connected royal palace areas across the Machchhu River and later became a famous tourist attraction in Gujarat.
Locally, the bridge was called “Jhulto Pul,” which means “hanging bridge.” The structure remained one of Morbi’s most recognizable landmarks for more than a century.
Structure and Design of Morbi Bridge
Morbi Bridge was designed as a pedestrian suspension bridge.
Important features included:
- Suspension cable structure
- Narrow pedestrian pathway
- Hanging bridge design
- Steel cables and towers
- River crossing walkway
According to reports, the bridge was:
- Around 230 meters long
- About 1.25 meters wide
- Suspended around 15 meters above the river
The bridge was designed mainly for pedestrian tourism and local movement.
Importance of Morbi Bridge
Morbi Bridge was important because it:
- Connected old royal city areas
- Attracted tourists
- Became a heritage landmark
- Represented Morbi’s history
- Supported local tourism
The bridge was one of Gujarat’s best-known hanging bridges and was frequently visited during festivals and holidays.
2022 Morbi Bridge Collapse
On 30 October 2022, the Morbi suspension bridge collapsed into the Machchhu River, causing one of India’s deadliest bridge disasters. Reports stated that more than 140 people died and over 180 were injured.
The bridge had reopened only a few days earlier after several months of renovation work.
Reported Causes
Investigations and reports mentioned several possible reasons including:
- Overcrowding
- Corroded cables
- Structural weaknesses
- Improper renovation work
- Loose bolts and anchors
Video footage reportedly showed large crowds on the bridge shortly before the collapse.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Following the tragedy, investigations revealed concerns about safety certification and maintenance procedures.
Reports stated:
- The bridge allegedly reopened without proper fitness approval.
- Structural safety audits were questioned.
- Several people associated with maintenance operations were arrested.
The incident triggered nationwide discussions about infrastructure safety and maintenance of old bridges.
Nearby Areas Around Morbi Bridge
Darbargadh Palace
The old royal palace area connected through the suspension bridge.
Nazarbag
A historic palace and residential area associated with Morbi’s royal family.
Mahaprabhuji Area
One of the important local regions near the bridge corridor.
Machchhu Riverfront
The riverfront area became a major gathering and tourism zone before the collapse.
Tourism Importance of Morbi
Morbi is famous for:
- Ceramic industries
- Royal architecture
- Historic bridges
- Clock manufacturing
- Heritage buildings
The suspension bridge was once among the city’s top tourist attractions.
Safety Reforms After the Collapse
After the disaster, authorities across India reportedly increased inspections of old bridges and heritage structures.
Several bridge projects and aging structures in Gujarat and other states were reassessed after the Morbi tragedy.
The incident became an important case study in infrastructure management and public safety.
Scenic Beauty and Local Identity
Before the collapse, Morbi Bridge was known for:
- River views
- Night lighting
- Heritage architecture
- Hanging bridge photography
- Tourist walks across the Machchhu River
The bridge had become an emotional and cultural symbol for many residents of Morbi.
Interesting Facts About Morbi Bridge
- The bridge was built during British rule in the 19th century.
- It was popularly called Jhulto Pul, meaning hanging bridge.
- The bridge stretched around 230 meters across the Machchhu River.
- It reopened shortly before the 2022 collapse.
- The tragedy became one of India’s deadliest bridge disasters.
Conclusion
Morbi Bridge was one of Gujarat’s most historic suspension bridges and an important symbol of Morbi city’s heritage. Built during the princely era, the bridge served as both a transportation link and tourist attraction for decades.
Although the 2022 collapse turned the bridge into a tragic reminder of infrastructure safety failures, Morbi Bridge continues to remain historically significant in discussions about heritage engineering, public safety, and urban infrastructure management in India.
FAQs About Morbi Bridge
Q: Where was Morbi Bridge located?
A: Morbi Bridge was located across the Machchhu River in Morbi city, Gujarat.
Q: Why was Morbi Bridge famous?
A: The bridge was famous for its historic suspension design and tourism importance.
Q: What was the local name of Morbi Bridge?
A: The local name was Jhulto Pul, meaning hanging bridge.
Q: When was Morbi Bridge built?
A: The bridge was built during the 19th century, reportedly in the 1880s.
Q: Which river flowed below Morbi Bridge?
A: The Machchhu River flowed below the bridge.
Q: What happened to Morbi Bridge in 2022?
A: The bridge collapsed on 30 October 2022, causing over 140 deaths.
Q: Why did Morbi Bridge collapse?
A: Investigations mentioned overcrowding, corrosion, and structural weaknesses as possible reasons.
Q: How long was Morbi Bridge?
A: The bridge was approximately 230 meters long.
Q: Which railway station is nearest to Morbi Bridge?
A: Morbi Railway Station is the nearest railway station.
Q: Why is Morbi Bridge historically important?
A: The bridge represented Morbi’s royal heritage and was one of Gujarat’s oldest suspension bridges.
Akash Sharma