Haridwar: British Era Railway Tracks Found Under River Ganga
Old railway tracks have been discovered beneath the Ganga River in Haridwar, revealing their historical significance linked to the construction of the Bhimgoda Barrage dam in the 1850s.
The river Ganga is one of the most sacred rivers for Hindus, known for its deep religious and spiritual significance. Flowing through many Indian states, one of the most famous cities along its banks is Haridwar in Uttarakhand, a popular pilgrimage destination.
Every year, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department closes the Ganga Canals between Dussehra and Diwali for maintenance, cleaning, and necessary infrastructural work around the river and its ghats. This year, while carrying out the maintenance, locals and authorities made a surprising discovery: old railway tracks beneath the Ganga River.
These tracks were found about 3 km away from the current Haridwar Railway Station, leading many to wonder if trains once operated in the area where the Ganga Canal is now located. Photos and videos of the tracks quickly went viral on social media, sparking curiosity across India.
Local resident Adesh Tyagi explained that these tracks were laid in the 1850s for the construction of the Bhimgoda Barrage dam near Haridwar. Workers used the tracks to transport materials needed for building the canal. After the dam was completed, British officers also used the tracks for inspections.
Supporting Tyagi's theory, senior history expert Professor Dr. Sanjay Maheshwari noted that the Ganga canals were a major British project led by the British governor, Lord Dalhousie. He mentioned that the project was designed and overseen by British engineer Sir Thomas Cautley. According to him, many such British initiatives have played a crucial role in shaping modern India.
The discovery of these old tracks has raised many questions about the history of the Ganga River and its canals. As more information comes to light, people are eager to learn more about the past that lies beneath the sacred waters of the Ganga.
