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Keshavji Shamji Budhbhatti | |
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1861 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Engineer |
Keshavji Shamji Budhbhatti (1861–1929) was an Indian civil engineer who worked on major infrastructure projects during the British colonial period, including the construction of Tower Bridge in London.[1]
Early Life and Education
Keshavji Shamji Budhbhatti was born in Bhuj, in the Kutchdistrict of Gujarat, India. At the age of 23, he left India and traveled to London in 1885 to further his education. He studied at the Royal Indian Engineering Collegenear Windsor, which trained Indian engineers for service across the British Empire.
Work on Tower Bridge
After completing his studies, Budhbhatti worked as an engineer on the construction of Tower Bridge, one of London's most iconic landmarks, which was completed in 1894. Budhbhatti lived in Kentish Town, North London, and traveled daily to the bridge’s construction site near the Tower of London. His role as an Indian engineer at such a significant project was rare for the time and marked a milestone in his career.
Return to India and Career in Bhuj
In 1895, Budhbhatti returned to his hometown, Bhuj, where he began working for the Public Works Department. He played a key role in the development of local infrastructure, including the railway linking Bhuj to the sea via Anjar, Kandla, and Tuna. He also contributed to the construction of bridges, such as the Krishna Bridge and the Rukmani River bridge in Mandvi.
Work in Karachi and Later Years
Budhbhatti’s most notable work after Tower Bridge was his involvement in the development of Karachi’s port, including the construction of the East Wharf, the Napier Mole Boat Wharf, and a bridge connecting Karachi with the Kiamari district. His contributions were recognized in both India and England, and he was mentioned in the Royal Society of Arts proceedings in 1909.
Later in his career, Budhbhatti was consulted by the British government during the construction of the Sukkur Barrage (then called Lloyd Barrage) on the Indus River in Sindh province, Pakistan, a major irrigation project built between 1923 and 1932.
Legacy
Keshavji Shamji Budhbhatti passed away in 1929 at the age of 68. His engineering legacy continued through his descendants, with both his grandson and great-grandchildren following in his footsteps as civil engineers. His contributions to British and Indian infrastructure are remembered through the bridges and railways he helped to design and build.
Today, Budhbhatti’s story is preserved in the historical records of Tower Bridge and informs guided tours and educational programs about London’s engineering heritage.