India's first ever glass sea bridge opened in Kanyakumari

India's first ever glass sea bridge opened in Kanyakumari (Image: X/@CMOTamilnadu)

A stunning 77-meter-long and 10-metre wide glass bridge was inaugurated on December 30, 2024, by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, connecting the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the towering 133-foot Thiruvalluvar statue off the coast of Kanyakumari.

As the first of its kind in India, this groundbreaking structure offers visitors a mesmerizing experience of walking above the sea, with breathtaking panoramic views of both monuments and the surrounding ocean.

The glass bridge between Vivekananda rock memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue (Image: PTI)

The project, valued at Rs 37 crore, was inaugurated on the 25th anniversary of the Thiruvalluvar statue's unveiling by the late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, adding a historic layer to this achievement. The bridge not only enhances the visitor experience by eliminating the need for ferry rides but also allows tourists to immerse themselves in breathtaking seascapes while traversing this marvel of modern engineering.

Designed with cutting-edge technology, the bridge is built to endure the challenging coastal conditions, including high humidity, salt-laden air, and corrosion. The state government emphasized that the bowstring arch structure was specifically designed to withstand the region’s saline breeze and humidity.

The inauguration ceremony was a grand affair, with the Chief Minister, along with Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, state ministers, MP Kanimozhi, and other dignitaries, taking a symbolic walk across the bridge.

Laser light show illuminates the renaming of the Thiruvalluvar statue as 'Statue of Wisdom.' (Image: PTI)

A dazzling laser light show illuminated the event, where Chief Minister Stalin also declared the last week of December as ‘Thirukkural Week’ and officially renamed the Thiruvalluvar statue as the ‘Statue of Wisdom.’

(With inputs from agencies)