Vandalism Incident at New Rishikesh Suspension Bridge Prompts Safety Measures
In a concerning act of vandalism, a glass panel on the under-construction Bajrang Setu in Rishikesh was deliberately damaged by an unidentified individual. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has led the Public Works Department (PWD) to file a formal police complaint and implement enhanced security protocols at the site.
Details of the Deliberate Damage
The perpetrator entered a restricted area of the bridge's glass walkway section while security personnel were absent. Using a blunt object, the individual struck one of the multi-layered glass panels, causing minor damage to its top surface. Authorities have since closed the affected walkway for necessary repairs as a precautionary measure, although pedestrian movement continues uninterrupted through the central concrete portion of the structure.
PWD executive engineer Praveen Karnwal, from the Narendra Nagar division, provided reassurance regarding the bridge's integrity. He explained, "The glass panels are constructed with multiple layers, totaling approximately 60 millimeters in thickness. Only the uppermost layer of a single panel sustained damage, posing no structural risk whatsoever to the bridge."
Immediate Response and Future Precautions
In response to this incident, the PWD has taken decisive action to prevent future occurrences. A case has been officially registered at the Muni Ki Reti police station, and plans are underway to install comprehensive CCTV surveillance across the bridge premises. These measures aim to deter unauthorized access and monitor activities more effectively.
The 132-meter-long suspension bridge, which spans the Ganga River with an estimated construction cost of around Rs 70 crore, is nearing completion but has not yet been formally inaugurated. Its innovative design features glass walkways on both sides exclusively for pedestrians, complemented by a central deck designated for two-wheelers.
Background on Bajrang Setu Project
Bajrang Setu is being developed as a modern alternative to the historic Lakshman Jhula, a century-old suspension bridge that was permanently closed in 2022 after being declared unsafe due to the end of its operational lifespan. The new bridge represents a significant infrastructure upgrade for the region, combining aesthetic appeal with enhanced safety standards.
Officials emphasize that the recent vandalism incident, while unfortunate, does not compromise the bridge's structural safety or delay its anticipated public opening. Repairs to the damaged glass panel are proceeding efficiently, with a focus on restoring the walkway to its original condition.
