Once considered to be the longest bridge in entire Asia and perhaps still the oldest in India, is Goa’s Ribandar Causeway. Also referred to as the Ponte de Linhares bridge, it is said to have been constructed around 1634 and has now been standing for almost 387 years! Let’s journey along this 11-km-long causeway to know more about its importance.
Connecting old to new
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Built to support the traffic of horse-drawn carriages, the Ribandar Causeway was named after the Viceroy of Portuguese India, under whose direction it was constructed. It is believed that this bridge helped residents in manoeuvring the marshy area and khazan lands, as they travelled from the capital city of Goa to the Ribandar Village.
Put on the state’s list of heritage landscapes, this bridge originally helped residents in traversing a distance of 3.2 km, starting from the General Post Office in Panaji. Time has taken a toll on the efficiency and load-bearing capacity of this bridge. However, compared to the Nehru Bridge which was built hardly 17-years-ago, Ribandar Causeway is still standing strong. Further, the state has also planted Mangrove trees on its side to prevent further erosion of this bridge.
Knock Knock
An example of sturdy architecture, Ribandar Causeway has now been reserved for lighter vehicles, such as cycles. When in Goa, we suggest you cross this bridge at least once to experience the beauty of the flood plains of the River Mandovi. Also, do not forget to mask up as you meander with your camera while capturing picturesque views!
