62 % work completed on Bajrang Setu in Rishikesh: Officials

Around 62% work on cable glass-fitted suspension bridge, Bajrang Setu, has been completed in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, officials privy to the matter said on Monday. State tourism and PWD minister Satpal Maharaj visited the construction site and directed the officials to speed up the work so that it is completed on time. This, however, became the main cause of inconvenience for the pilgrims who used to cross over Ganga through this old bridge so it was decided to construct a state-of-the-art bridge in Rishikesh.” Tehri circle superintendent engineer NP Singh said, “ It will be a glass-fitted 132.5-meter-long bridge with a width of 8 meters, and the middle of the bridge will be for two-way light vehicle movement while the outer area on both left and right sides from the centre will be for pedestrians and glass fitted in which tourists can watch the Ganga below while walking on it.” It will be a state-of-the- art marvel and the façade on both ends of the towers will resemble Kedarnath temple, with light vehicles passing through the hollow space between the towers, added Singh. Rishikesh resident Ranbir Singh welcomed the move and said, “Safety of the pedestrians and people on light vehicle owners who will pass through the bridge should also be taken into account.” Talking about the bridge safety, Singh said that the glass fitting will be unbreakable, will be able to withstand heavy rain and hails and won’t break in extreme conditions as all the construction material being utilised is being thoroughly tested before installation.