Reviving an Icon: Ram Jhula Set for Major Repairs

The Uttarakhand government has greenlit a budget of Rs 11 crore for the repair of Rishikesh's famed Ram Jhula suspension bridge, as confirmed by an official statement on Friday.

Standing since 1986 over the River Ganga, this iconic bridge has been closed to two-wheelers since August 2023, permitting only limited pedestrian access.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved the funds for comprehensive repair and maintenance work, according to Uttarakhand's Forest Minister, Subodh Uniyal. Tenders for the restoration are expected to be posted within the next ten days. The project aims to finish within six months, involving the replacement of iron ropes, fortification of pillars, and securing of abutments, to ensure the bridge's safety for public use, stated PWD Executive Engineer Narendra Nagar Vijay Moga. This nearly 450 feet bridge connects Shivananda Nagar with Swargashram and is a key landmark and tourist attraction.

(With inputs from agencies.)