Elephant Gate Bridge & Railway Station, Madras, 2 Postcards 1900
This fascinating 1900 postcard of the Elephant Gate Bridge and the Madras Central Railway Station in colonial era Madras (Chennai). Madras Central (Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station) was officially opened in 1873. It quickly became one of South India’s busiest railway terminals and a vital gateway connecting the city with the rest of the Indian subcontinent.
In the foreground, the historic Elephant Gate Bridge spans the Buckingham Canal. A once-busy inland waterway that played a significant role in transporting goods and passengers across the Madras Presidency. The historic Bridge was originally built over the Elambore River (which later became part of the Buckingham Canal).
It connected Walltax Road with Vepery and Sydenhams Road via Salt Cotaurs. The bridge was known for its three arches. Due to age and structural wear, it was completely demolished by Southern Railway in 2020. A new one was constructed to allow for modern rail and road traffic. Click image to enlarge.
Did you know – the Elephant Gate Bridge gets its name from the historical practice of stationing elephants in the neighborhood, which were used to haul and load goods from barges on the canal.
