Mysuru: Though railway authorities failed to maintain 281-year-old Kabini railway Bridge, located between Nanjangud and Kadakola Railway station, which is one among the world’s oldest railway bridge, the youths of Nanjangud Taluk have come forward to give lease of life and create awareness among people about its value and importance by celebrating Independence Day on August 15.

                 Youths seen removing unwanted plants atop oldest railway bridge in the world Kabini Bridge

The youth under banner of ‘Yuva Brigade’ went all out in a cleaning spree at the bridge. The team comprising of nearly 20 members led by S Chandrashekar, have been involved in removing the weeds since August 78. The youth want people to know the value and importance of the oldest railway bridge in the world.

Speaking to NewsKarnataka S Chandrasehkar said, “It’s really unfortunate the oldest railway bridge in the world has become orphan. It seems our authorities don’t know the value and importance of this bridge. We are very proud that such bridge is located in Nanjangud. If the same old structure was in foreign countries it would have been different. It’s really unfortunate that no one is showing interest to preserve the bridge. If our authorities show interest, it can be transformed into a tourist spot.”

M Girish, one of the volunteers who is also involved in cleaning spree said, “The Government should take steps to preserve the orphan and abandoned oldest railway bridge in the world”. The group will be celebrating Independence Day at 10.30am on Monday.