Rishikesh: Rishikesh has added another landmark to its list of attractions with the opening of Bajrang Setu, India’s first glass floor cable suspension bridge. Spanning the Ganga near the iconic Lakshman Jhula, the newly inaugurated bridge is expected to transform both tourism and local connectivity by offering visitors a unique skywalk experience while serving as an important crossing for residents.
The Uttarakhand government has announced that visitors will soon be able to walk on the bridge’s glass viewing sections for a nominal fee. Under the approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), adults will be charged rs 100, while children will pay rs 50 for access to the glass skywalk for up to two hours. Officials said the ticketed entry will help regulate crowds and ensure proper maintenance of the facility.
Built at an estimated cost of around rs 60 to 70 crore, Bajrang Setu stretches 132 metres across the Ganga and is 8 metres wide. The bridge has been designed with a 5 metre wide central deck that allows two wheelers to cross, while glass floored walkways on either side have been created exclusively for pedestrians seeking panoramic views of the river below.
To ensure visitor safety, the transparent sections have been constructed using multiple layers of 12mm toughened glass capable of handling heavy footfall. Officials have said the bridge has undergone extensive safety checks before being opened to the public.
The glass skywalk will remain open every day from 6 am to 10 pm. Around 48 trained personnel, working in shifts, will be stationed at the site to manage crowds, assist visitors and monitor safety. Meanwhile, the main portion of the bridge used for daily commuting will remain open throughout the day and night without any entry fee, allowing local residents and two wheelers to cross freely.
The opening of Bajrang Setu marks a significant milestone for Rishikesh, particularly after Lakshman Jhula was closed to vehicular traffic in 2019 due to structural concerns. The new bridge has been built to ease congestion between Tapovan and Jonk, while also preserving smooth movement in one of the city’s busiest pilgrimage and tourist zones.
Beyond its practical purpose, Bajrang Setu is expected to emerge as one of Uttarakhand’s biggest tourist attractions. The experience of walking over transparent glass panels with uninterrupted views of the Ganga is likely to draw travellers, photographers, adventure enthusiasts and pilgrims alike. Local businesses, hotels and restaurants are also expected to benefit from the increased footfall.
Authorities have clarified that while the bridge is now open, the paid ticketing system for the glass skywalk will begin only after the tender process for managing visitor entry is completed. Until then, officials are focusing on ensuring smooth operations and encouraging visitors to follow safety guidelines.
With its blend of modern engineering and spectacular river views, Bajrang Setu represents a new chapter for Rishikesh one that combines improved infrastructure with a fresh tourism experience in one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations.
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