Created by Hashim Tariq bhat
Last edited August 8, 2025
->Unpetitprole
added image
Admin (talk | contribs)
reworked content as per guidelines also and corrected details for consistency
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{about||the 2008 Kashmiri drama film|Zero Bridge (film)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2018}}
Line 38: Line 39:
}}
}}


The '''Zero Bridge''' is an old wooden [[arch bridge]] located in the city of [[Srinagar]] in the Indian [[Kashmir Conflict|union territory]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. It crosses the [[Jhelum River|Jhelum]] river in a roughly [[North]]-[[South]] direction connecting Sonwar in the north to [[Rajbagh]] in the South. Originally constructed in the late 1950s under the then [[Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir|prime minister]] [[Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad]], the bridge was closed for vehicular traffic in the late 1980s owing to the weakening of its wooden structure.<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 May 2016|title=Historic Zero bridge gets traditional makeover|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/srinagar/historic-zero-bridge-gets-traditional-makeover|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-09|website=Greater Kashmir}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=4 April 2012|title=Kashmir's iconic Zero Bridge dismantled|url=https://www.ndtv.com/cities/kashmirs-iconic-zero-bridge-dismantled-474981|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-09|website=NDTV}}</ref>
'''Zero Bridge''' ({{IPA|ur|ziːɾoː bɾɪd͡ʒ}} ; {{IPA|ks|zərʲ kəd̪ɨl}}) is a wooden arch pedestrian bridge in [[Srinagar]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]]. It spans the [[Jhelum River]], connecting the Sonwar area on the north bank with Rajbagh on the south.<ref name="BrighterKashmir">{{cite news |title=Zero Bridge‑ renowned landmarks of city |publisher=Brighter Kashmir |date=8 July 2024 |url=https://www.brighterkashmir.com/zero-bridge--renowned-landmarks-of-city |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref>
 
== History ==
Zero Bridge was constructed in the late 1950s under the leadership of then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, [[Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad]]. The bridge measured approximately 160 metres in length and 9 metres in width.<ref name="BrighterKashmir"/> It was initially used for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but vehicular access was restricted by the late 1980s due to its weakening structure.<ref name="NDTVDismantled">{{cite news |title=Kashmir's iconic Zero Bridge dismantled |url=https://www.ndtv.com/cities/kashmirs-iconic-zero-bridge-dismantled-474981 |publisher=NDTV |date=4 April 2012 |access-date=19 July 2025}}</ref>
 
In 2012, major parts of the bridge were dismantled for safety reasons. The Jammu & Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation Ltd (JKPCC) undertook restoration using traditional materials such as deodar and walnut wood.<ref name="Excelsior">{{cite news |title=Zero Bridge misses deadline, 20% work done so far |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/zero-bridge-misses-deadline-20-work-done-so-far/ |work=Daily Excelsior |date=25 April 2013 |access-date=19 July 2025}}</ref> The restoration, costing around ₹11 crore, avoided the use of concrete to maintain the historical appearance.<ref name="RisingKashmir">{{cite news |title=Srinagar’s heritage site Zero Bridge craves for attention |url=https://risingkashmir.com/srinagars-heritage-site-zero-bridge-craves-for-attention/ |work=Rising Kashmir |access-date=19 July 2025}}</ref>


== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
Officially it is said to have been named Zero Bridge since traditionally the [[Amira Kadal]] bridge was regarded as the first bridge on the Jhelum as it entered Srinagar and the Zero bridge preceded this 'first' bridge.<ref name=":0" />
The name "Zero Bridge" is explained in two ways. One interpretation suggests that, as it is located upstream of [[Amira Kadal]], considered the “first bridge” in Srinagar, it was informally called “Zero” as a precursor.<ref name="RisingKashmir"/>
 
Another explanation cites a local story of a deaf Kashmiri contractor named “Zorr” (meaning "deaf" in Kashmiri), whose name may have evolved into "Zero" over time.<ref name="NDTVDismantled"/>
 
== Architecture and design ==
During restoration, traditional timber such as deodar and walnut were used. The reconstruction retained the original wooden-arch aesthetic, and modern materials like concrete were intentionally avoided to preserve the bridge’s heritage value.<ref name="RisingKashmir"/><ref name="Excelsior"/>
 
== Current status and use ==
Zero Bridge is no longer open to vehicles and serves solely as a pedestrian bridge.<ref name="NDTVDismantled"/> The nearby [[Abdullah Bridge]] now handles vehicular traffic. The bridge is used by residents and visitors as a walkway and resting spot along the river.<ref name="RisingKashmir"/>
 
In 2023, Zero Bridge was included in the Jhelum Riverfront Development Project, with pathways extended to the General Post Office (GPO) area to improve connectivity.<ref name="KashmirReader">{{cite news |title=Jhelum Riverfront: Zero Bridge to GPO inaugurated |url=https://kashmirreader.com/2023/11/01/jhelum-riverfront-zero-bridge-to-gpo-inaugurated/ |work=Kashmir Reader |date=1 November 2023 |access-date=19 July 2025}}</ref>
 
== Cultural and civic importance ==
Zero Bridge is regarded as a heritage structure and remains part of the city's historic identity. In 2011, proposals to demolish the bridge were met with opposition from citizens and conservation groups advocating for preservation.<ref name="Hindustan">{{cite news |title=Demolition creates new bridges |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/demolition-creates-new-bridges/story-e2JiW5eiB9qdU2Ws97LcHN_amp.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=16 September 2011 |access-date=19 July 2025}}</ref><ref name="NDTVDismantled"/>


== Current Status ==
== See also ==
[[File:Zero bridge Srinagar.jpg|thumb|Zero bridge in Srinagar]]
* [[Amira Kadal]]
The Zero Bridge is still the first bridge downstream of the Jhelum while entering the Srinagar city and the next upstream crossing is located near Pantha Chowk in the city outskirts. At present, the old wooden structure of the bridge is being replaced by a new one, preserving the original architecture and the bridge would continue to be a pedestrian crossing and a heritage site.<ref name=":0" /> The vehicular traffic is currently handled by the [[Abdullah Bridge]], located roughly 200 metres downstream.
* [[Abdullah Bridge]]
* [[Jhelum River]]
* [[Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 58: Line 79:
[[Category:Wooden bridges]]
[[Category:Wooden bridges]]
[[Category:Arch bridges]]
[[Category:Arch bridges]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in the 20th century]]  
[[Category:Bridges completed in the 20th century]]
[[Category:Wooden buildings and structures in India]]
[[Category:Wooden buildings and structures in India]]
[[Category:Transport in Srinagar]]
[[Category:Transport in Srinagar]]
{{India-bridge-struct-stub}}
[[Category:20th-century architecture in India]]

Latest revision as of 23:14, 8 August 2025

Zero Bridge
Coordinates34°4′11.23″N 74°49′48″E / 34.0697861°N 74.83000°E / 34.0697861; 74.83000
OS grid referenceTemplate:Gbmappingsmall
CarriesPedestrian pathway
CrossesJhelum
LocaleSrinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Followed byAbdullah Bridge
Characteristics
DesignWooden Arch Bridge
MaterialWood
Total length160 metres (520 ft)
Width9 metres (30 ft)
History
Opened1950s
ClosedLate 1980s (vehicular traffic)
Location
Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 197: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Zero Bridge (ur ; ks) is a wooden arch pedestrian bridge in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It spans the Jhelum River, connecting the Sonwar area on the north bank with Rajbagh on the south.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

Zero Bridge was constructed in the late 1950s under the leadership of then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad. The bridge measured approximately 160 metres in length and 9 metres in width.[1] It was initially used for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but vehicular access was restricted by the late 1980s due to its weakening structure.[2]

In 2012, major parts of the bridge were dismantled for safety reasons. The Jammu & Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation Ltd (JKPCC) undertook restoration using traditional materials such as deodar and walnut wood.[3] The restoration, costing around ₹11 crore, avoided the use of concrete to maintain the historical appearance.[4]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The name "Zero Bridge" is explained in two ways. One interpretation suggests that, as it is located upstream of Amira Kadal, considered the “first bridge” in Srinagar, it was informally called “Zero” as a precursor.[4]

Another explanation cites a local story of a deaf Kashmiri contractor named “Zorr” (meaning "deaf" in Kashmiri), whose name may have evolved into "Zero" over time.[2]

Architecture and design[edit | edit source]

During restoration, traditional timber such as deodar and walnut were used. The reconstruction retained the original wooden-arch aesthetic, and modern materials like concrete were intentionally avoided to preserve the bridge’s heritage value.[4][3]

Current status and use[edit | edit source]

Zero Bridge is no longer open to vehicles and serves solely as a pedestrian bridge.[2] The nearby Abdullah Bridge now handles vehicular traffic. The bridge is used by residents and visitors as a walkway and resting spot along the river.[4]

In 2023, Zero Bridge was included in the Jhelum Riverfront Development Project, with pathways extended to the General Post Office (GPO) area to improve connectivity.[5]

Cultural and civic importance[edit | edit source]

Zero Bridge is regarded as a heritage structure and remains part of the city's historic identity. In 2011, proposals to demolish the bridge were met with opposition from citizens and conservation groups advocating for preservation.[6][2]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Zero Bridge‑ renowned landmarks of city". Brighter Kashmir. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Kashmir's iconic Zero Bridge dismantled". NDTV. 4 April 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Zero Bridge misses deadline, 20% work done so far". Daily Excelsior. 25 April 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Srinagar's heritage site Zero Bridge craves for attention". Rising Kashmir. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  5. "Jhelum Riverfront: Zero Bridge to GPO inaugurated". Kashmir Reader. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  6. "Demolition creates new bridges". Hindustan Times. 16 September 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2025.