Shahi Bridge

Shahi Bridge is also known as Munim Khan Bridge, Akbari Bridge, Mughal Bridge, and Jaunpur Bridge. It is located on the station road of Naiganj, Olandganj of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh India. This is a 16th-century bridge made over the Gomti River. Gomti River divides Jaunpur city into two parts, and the Shahi Bridge was built to connect these two parts. It is a unique bridge not only of Jaunpur but the whole India. It is the most significant Mughal architecture in Jaunpur. Afghan architect Afzal Ali designed this unique and wonderful bridge. This is the only bridge at the exact ground level. There are different kinds of shops on the two sides of this bridge.

Attraction

Shahi Bridge is an example of great Mughal engineering. This is a wonderful looking bridge. If you are interested in ancient engineering art then this is a must visit place for you. Shahi Bridge - Most significant Mughal architecture in Jaunpur

The Surroundings of this bridge are picture perfect. Light seems divine in the sunset. When the evening sky touches the water of Gomti river, the scenic beauty is beyond description. It provides a matchless background and frame for photos. If you are a photographer and search for a location to shoot then this is one of the best options for you. Pigeons roam and fly around the bridge. You can feed them also. This will be an element of your mental peace.

History

Mughal emperor Akbar often visited Jaunpur. He stayed on the Shahi Qila of Jaunpur. One day, he was enjoying a boat ride in the Gomti River. Then he noticed a crying woman and asked her why she was crying. The woman replied that she crossed the River to sell cotton in the market. Now, she wanted to return home, but because it was evening, boats were not available. She has two children. They might be crying for her. Akbar was a kind person. He felt pity for the woman and helped her to cross the River in his own boat. Akbar always felt the need of a bridge on the Gomti river so he ordered Munim Khan to build a bridge there. It was completed in the year 1568-1569.

It was not easy to build this bridge there. Because the depth of the Gomti river was very high there but it was Badsha’s order. So they had to follow him. The River was diverted to build the bridge there. It took almost four years to complete this wonderful bridge. It was very robustly constructed according to the order of Badsha Akbar.

Inside/Outside Views

The Shahi Bridge is the only bridge of India whose carriageway is at the ground level. This bridge is 26 ft wide with 2 ft 3 inch kerfs on its both sides. There are a total 10 spans of this bridge and on the top of the span a shop size dome-like shapes are set on both sides of every span. In the past, these were used as shops. Still now those are used for arranging shops. But now, the euphoria has decreased. There is a mosque called Shahi Mosque in front of this bridge.

A large sculpture of a lion with an elephant underneath its forepaw is set in the middle of the bridge. This whole sculpture is made by curving only one single stone. This sculpture symbolizes majestic power. Though elephants are larger than lions in size, lions are undoubtedly more powerful than elephants. It was installed here from a Buddhist monastery. This bridge is made of yellow sandstones. There are eye-catching designs curved on the stones and also curved ayats. Architects of that time created some beautiful illusions of lions and fish that looked different from the other side.

Opening Hours

Monday 24 Hours

Tuesday 24 Hours

Wednesday 24 Hours

Thursday 24 Hours

Friday 24 Hours

Saturday 24 Hours

Sunday 24 Hours

How to Reach

By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Babatpur in Varanasi is the nearest airport to Shahi Bridge. It is approximately 50 kilometers from Shahi Bridge. By reaching the airport in Varanasi you can go by train or bus to reach Shahi Bridge.

By Train: By following trains you can go to Jaunpur.

3283/3284 Ganga Yamuna Exp (Delhi – Varanasi / Danapur)
4649/4650 Saryu Yamuna Exp (Delhi – Varanasi)
2427/2428 Varanasi Lucknow Varuna Exp
3483/3484 Farakka Exp.
2401/2402 Shramjeevi Express.

From the Jaunpur city railway station get local auto to reach Shahi Bridge. You can also book an e-rickshaw.

By Road: Jaunpur is easily accessible by road. It is 58 kilometers from Varanasi, 110 kilometers from Allahabad, 142 kilometers from Ayodhoya, 228 kilometers from Lucknow and 166 kilometers from Gorakhpur. From Varanasi you can reach Jaunpur by bus or by train in 2 hours. Shahi Bridge is around 2 kilometers from Jaunpur bus station. Get local autos or e-rickshaw to reach Shahi Bridge.

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