Rishikesh, July 24: Rishikesh’s iconic Laxman Jhula, a 450-foot-long iron suspension bridge constructed over the river Ganga, was closed down temporarily after 90 years on Friday, July 12. The iconic bridge in Rishikesh connected the villages of Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal district, on the west bank of the river, to Jonk in Pauri Garhwal district, on the east bank. Now, this bridge will be replaced by a brilliant swing bridge of glass. To increase the beauty of the city, people will also experience the thrill of walking on a glass bridge. The efforts of the state government have been started.
Officials said that to make the bridge attractive, it will be made up of glass.A budget of Rs 50 lakh has already been decided. The bridge will be designed in such a way that the pedestrian and two-wheeler driver pass through it on different lines. Three-wheeled vehicles or tempo won’t be allowed to enter the glass bridge.
On July 12, Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat said that Laxman Jhula is a part of the state's cultural heritage; efforts will be made to conserve it. The decision to close it was made based on an expert report, keeping in mind the safety of the public. An alternative bridge will be constructed.
The bridge was closed on the recommendation of a team of experts who found most of its parts in "fail" or "collapse" condition, Additional Chief Secretary Om Prakash said.
The team recommended immediate closure of the bridge to all traffic and pedestrian movement as it was not in a condition to sustain any more load, he said.
There has been an unprecedented rise in traffic and pedestrian movement along the bridge in recent times and the bridge towers appear to be leaning towards one side, he said.