Girish Bharadwaj, widely known as the ‘Bridge Man of India’ or ‘Sethu Bandhu’ for constructing low-cost suspension footbridges in remote villages, passed away at a private hospital in Sullia town of Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, on July 7, 2026, following a brief heart-related illness. He was 76 years old. His death was widely condoled by political leaders and people from different parts of the country, reflecting the lasting impact of his contributions to rural connectivity.
A mechanical engineer from Sullia, Karnataka, Girish Bharadwaj devoted more than three decades to connecting isolated rural communities through innovative, low-cost suspension bridges. His work transformed lives of thousands by providing year-round access to schools, hospitals, and markets while bringing remote villages closer to the mainstream.
Journey from Engineering to Bridge Building
Born on May 2, 1950, Bharadwaj completed his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the PES college of Engineering in Mandya (Karnataka) in 1973. Although he initially wanted to join work in a private factory or government service, his father encouraged him to use his technological knowledge for the benefit of farmers. Following his father’s advice, he started an agro service centre with a friend in 1973 and later established Rational Engineering Works at Sullia in 1975, now known as Ayasshilpa Industries. His early work involved repairing pump sets and gobar gas plants, which was closely connected with rural development.
His life took a new direction in 1989 when villagers sought his help to build a footbridge across the Payaswini river at Arambur in southern Karnataka after repeated disruptions caused by a damaged country boat. Observing that villagers had to make life-threatening attempts to cross swollen rivers during the rainy season and that children often dropped out of school because of poor connectivity, Girish Bharadwaj decided to find a cost-efficient solution. Using reference books, the support of fellow engineers, and community participation, he designed an affordable suspension bridge, completed for less than two lakh rupees (excluding labour costs and sponsored construction materials). Built in his native village at Aramburu in Sullia, the bridge became a test of his innovative engineering skills and marked the beginning of his lifelong mission.
Transforming Rural Lives through Low-Cost Bridges
The success of the first bridge led to increasing public demand and attracted the attention of the Karnataka government. Over the following decades, Girish Bharadwaj built more than 150 hanging footbridges across Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Odisha. Known for their low-cost and eco-friendly design, around 120 such bridges were built to improve rural connectivity, while the remaining served tourism. His designs, inspired by global suspension bridges but adapted to local needs, provided vital connectivity to isolated communities at a fraction of the cost of conventional bridges.
The bridges ensured year-round access to education, healthcare, markets, and other essential services, particularly during the monsoon when conventional routes were cut off. He personally camped at work sites until projects were completed, often offering his services free for community-funded projects and even spending his own money to complete unfinished bridges. His success lay in his simplicity, teamwork, compassion for people affected by floods, determination to overcome natural challenges, and willingness to live in isolated forest locations during construction work.
Recognition and Lasting Legacy
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to rural connectivity, social service, and empowerment, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2017. He also received a personal letter of appreciation from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledging his ‘Sethu Bandhu’ work. Among his other recognitions was the Dr Kota Shivarama Karanth Huttoora Prashasti (award). In recognition of his selfless service through engineering and technology, the villagers fondly called him the “Visvesvaraya of Sullia”.
Despite his achievements, he expressed concern in 2024 that very few engineering graduates were willing to learn the technique of constructing cost-effective and sturdy hanging foot-bridges that continued to serve as the lifeline of rural connectivity. His son, Pathanjali Bharadwaj, has been carrying forward his bridge-building mission.
Remembered as the ‘Bridge man of India, Girish Bharadwaj not only bridged rivers but also connected places, people and hearts, leaving behind an enduring legacy of service to rural India.
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