Laxman Jhula Rishikesh
Laxman Jhula has a long history; it’s a 450-ft long iron suspension bridge constructed over the Ganga river in 1923, and is one of the landmarks of Uttarakhand. As per the legends, the bridge was built exactly where Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama, crossed the river on jute ropes.
It is said that Lord Lakshman crossed the river using just two ropes. To honour this brave act of Lord Lakshman, a 284 feet long hanging rope bridge was built and came to be known as the ‘Lakshman Jhula’.
This bridge was constructed by U.P.P.W.D. during 1927-1929. It replaces the old bridge of 284 feet span which was washed away by great floods of October, 1924. This was opened to traffic on 11 April 1930.
In 2019 he Uttarakhand government has ordered the immediate closure of the Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh after a PWD report stated that the bridge is in a distressed state, which may lead to a mishap. The official added that many portions and components of the bridge are degrading and if operations continue as usual, it may trigger a tragedy.