Padma Shri awardee Dr. Girish Bharadwaj, popularly known as the “Bridge Man of India,” passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Sullia, Karnataka. He had been admitted a few days earlier due to a heart-related illness after his health deteriorated. His death marks the end of an extraordinary career dedicated to improving the lives of people in remote villages through innovative and affordable engineering solutions.

A mechanical engineer by profession, Dr. Bharadwaj earned nationwide recognition for constructing more than 140 low-cost suspension bridges across Karnataka and several other states, including Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. His bridges, built at nearly one-tenth the cost of conventional structures and completed in just a few months, connected isolated villages that had remained cut off due to poor infrastructure. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to rural development and engineering innovation, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2017.

Among his many achievements was the construction of his 100th suspension bridge at Mandekolu in Karnataka’s Sullia region, along with several landmark projects across Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts. Admired for using engineering to serve society rather than commercial interests, Dr. Bharadwaj was affectionately known as “Sullia’s Visvesvaraya” and the “Sardar of Suspension Bridges.” He is survived by his two sons, a daughter, and other family members, while tributes continue to pour in from engineers, public leaders, and countless villagers whose lives were transformed by his work.