Rishikesh: Bajrang Setu to replace Lakshman Jhula with thrilling glass walkways

Rishikesh is on the cusp of a transformative addition to its landscape with the imminent completion of Bajrang Setu, a modern glass suspension bridge poised to offer a new perspective on the sacred Ganga.

The structure is being constructed at the exact site of the historic but now-defunct Lakshman Jhula, marking a significant infrastructural and cultural shift for the region.

According to a report by News18, the 132-metre-long and 8-metre-wide bridge, built at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore, is designed to be a stronger, safer successor. Its architectural towers are reportedly inspired by the revered Kedarnath Temple, blending traditional motifs with contemporary engineering.

Praveen Karnwal, Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department’s Narendra Nagar Division, confirmed the advanced stage of the project as cited by NDTV, stating, “The construction of Bajrang Setu has been largely completed. About 90 per cent of the work is done and only the installation of glass on the pedestrian walkway remains.”

A key highlight of the bridge will be its two 1.5-metre-wide glass walkways, constructed with 66-mm-thick reinforced glass. These are set to provide pedestrians with a dramatic, transparent view of the river flowing beneath their feet.

The central lane of the bridge will accommodate two-wheelers, ensuring a segregated and safe experience for walkers on either side. Tourism officials anticipate it will quickly become one of Rishikesh's most photographed attractions.

Closing the historic Lakshman Jhula

The new bridge signals the final chapter for the iconic Lakshman Jhula, which had stood since 1929. Steeped in mythology, the old suspension bridge was a legendary pilgrimage site, believed to be located where Lord Lakshman once crossed the river on a jute rope.

After decades of service, the structure was deemed unsafe and permanently closed, paving the way for its modern replacement. Construction on Bajrang Setu began in 2022 and is projected to be fully ready by December 2025, with a public opening expected in early 2026.

Glass bridges and skywalks: India's new tourism blueprint

The development in Rishikesh is part of a broader trend across India, where glass bridges and skywalks are becoming focal points for tourism development.
In Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a cantilever-style glass bridge is under construction in Bhedaghat. The Patrika newspaper reported that the 18-metre-long bridge, being built at a cost of Rs 4.76 crore, will offer visitors stunning views of the Narmada River and the surrounding marble cliffs. Supporting tourist facilities are also being developed, with completion anticipated by early 2026.

Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh has already unveiled the country's longest skywalk at Kailasagiri Hills. As per Architectural Digest, the structure rises 862 feet above the ground, providing panoramic vistas of the Bay of Bengal. The bridge, built for approximately Rs 7 crore, is load-tested to hold nearly twelve tonnes, though access is restricted to 40 people at a time with ticket prices ranging between Rs 250-350.

Further south, the Akkulam Tourist Village in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has recently opened its own 50-metre-long glass bridge. Constructed with three layers of laminated glass, it can host up to 20 visitors simultaneously and features enhanced experiences like artificial fog and dramatic lighting, forming part of a larger recreational hub.