The famous 40-year-old Ram Jhula suspension bridge in Rishikesh, which connects Puri Garhwal and Teri Garhwal districts across the Ganga river, was closed on Saturday for passengers for maintenance, modernization and renovation works. The bridge is expected to remain closed until December, officials familiar with the matter said on Sunday.
The 220-metre-long and two-metre-wide suspension bridge was closed at both ends on Saturday evening after approval from the state government. $Rs 10 crore for comprehensive maintenance and restoration.
The bridge, which has been featured in numerous films and documentaries, has suffered damage to parts of its foundations and suspension wires over the years. It also caused cracks and other structural problems, especially during heavy monsoon rains in July 2019 and August 2023, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend its use on both occasions.
“It was felt that comprehensive maintenance and repair of the bridge was necessary for a long-term solution. Since the state government has approved a budget of Rs $10 crore We closed the bridge from both sides from Saturday evening for maintenance and restoration. “The work is expected to be completed by December, after which the bridge will be opened again for the public,” said Executive Engineer of Public Works Department, Narendranagar, Praveen Karnwal.
However, the closure was not well received by local traders, who expressed concerns about its timing. They said the authorities should have scheduled the maintenance work after the end of the Kanwar pilgrimage season, when millions of Kanwariyas visit Rishikesh and travel towards the Neelkanth Mahadev temple during the annual Kanwar Yatra.
“Our markets and businesses will be affected by the closure during Sawan. Kanwariyas, pilgrims from other states, tourists and locals use Ram Jhula every day,” local trader Bhagwan Singh Gosain said.
The Ram Jhula, constructed in 1986, has long been one of Rishikesh’s most iconic landmarks and an important pedestrian link between the two areas. Its closure is expected to affect the movement of pilgrims, tourists and local residents, as well as companies operating in the neighboring market areas.
