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Thursday March 28, 2024

Lahore Fort’s British era wooden bridge under repair

By Ali Raza
July 25, 2016

LAHORE

Constructed in the British era, the wooden bridge hanging at the entrance of Lahore Fort, which had become a life-threatening structure and could have fallen on people, including tourists, entering the fort, has been removed for repair and restoration.

This historic bridge was constructed with the Deodar wood during the British era. Architectural experts said that with the passage of time, the bridge’s wood was damaged by moisture, termite and weathering effects. This deteriorated its overall condition and years ago entry to this bridge was prohibited.

This bridge connects Barood Khana and Musamam Darwasa with Sheesh Mehal complex, said Ashgar Hussain, Lahore Fort incharge . He said the bridge was in very dilapidated condition and was recently removed for restoration. He said Rs 22,55,772 would be incurred on the conservation of this British-era bridge.

Rashid, a tourist guide of Lahore Fort, said all the wooden planks of the bridge were split from all sides, its joints dislocated and considerable sagging had taken place in the structure. This bridge had become a real threat to the tourists as it could have collapsed any time, he added.

Following the condition of this bridge and increased public complaints about its vulnerability and deteriorated condition, Walled City of Lahore Authority decided to repair it and a tender was floated in June 2016. Officials said ground work would be started soon.

Walled City of Lahore Authority with the funds of Lahore Fort has started the conservation of this wooden bridge, said WCLA’s Director Conservation Najam-us-Saqib while talking with The News. He said the WCLA took the initiative and Lahore Fort’s fund would be used for the conservation of this bridge. He admitted that it was a threat to the tourists walking under it. Before the start of any kind of civil work for this structure, a proper platform will be erected at site for the protection of the tourists and staff passing under the bridge. Also precautionary sings will be erected on both sides, he added.

The director conservation said that WCLA’s prime considerations in restoring the British-era structure would be that no disturbance was created to the existing structure, no dismantling of any existing member. Load will be removed from the existing walls and supporting piers.

He maintained that original wooden structure would be preserved in its original shape for next generations and experts had been directed to use preservation material of international standards to complete this task. He said WCLA wanted to preserve the heritage without any change or alternation.

WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari said that Lahore Fort is an international heritage site and needs to be up to the mark. “The bridge was at the main entrance and was now becoming older. It will be restored in a few days time and will be opened for the tourists as well,” he concluded.