Keeping safety at top priority, Rishikesh's iconic Laxman Jhula Bridge closed for public

Dehradun, July 15: Rishikesh’s iconic Laxman Jhula, a 450-foot-long iron suspension bridge constructed over the river Ganga, has been finally closed down temporarily after 90 years on Friday, July 12. The iconic bridge in Rishikesh connects 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. Open for both pedestrians and motorbikes, Laxman Jhula is a British-era bridge that was built in 1923.

 

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.

 

The decision was taken as keeping it operational could have been risky, the official said.

"It is highly recommended that the bridge should be closed with immediate effect otherwise any big mishap can take place anytime," the team of experts had said in its report to authorities.