India’s first glass bridge to open soon

Patna: A transparent glass sky bridge being constructed to boost adventure tourism is almost ready to welcome tourists from across the world in Bihar.

The glass bridge—the first in India—is being constructed amid scenic five hills at Rajgir town in Nalanda, home district of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.

200-feet high, 85-feet-long and six-wide wide glass bridge is likely to be opened for visitors early next year for which the works are in full progress. Several 15 mm glass mirrors have been used to construct the bridge. The thickness of the mirror is 45 mm and they are completely transparent, officials said.

Officials said the people walking over it would feel like floating in the air. Around 40 visitors could be allowed at a time at this bridge. But the government is quite concerned over the safety of the tourists as well.

On Saturday, chief minister Kumar paid a visit to the site and inspected its construction himself in the company of senior officials. “The work is in full swing in the magnificent glass bridge which will be ready by March next year. At the same time, I have asked the officials to also take help from experts to maintain proper security, safety and protection of this bridge,” the chief minister said.

The glass sky bridge being described as architectural marvels is part of the Nature Safari being developed in an area of 500 acres. “I have asked the official to develop it in such a way that the tourists could enjoy everything after visiting there,” the chief minister said.

According to the officials, tourists coming here will also be able to enjoy archery, cycling, trekking, mud and tree cottages, wooden hut and a medicinal park. Air cycling with the help of rope is another attraction of the Nature Safari.

World famous university

Nalanda district, home to world famous ancient Nalanda University, now declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the seat of ancient learning. Buddha who got enlightenment under the mythological Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya in the 6th century BC had taught his beliefs to his disciples first at Rajgir in Nalanda. The teachings of Buddha were penned down at Rajgir and it was also the venue for the first Buddhist Council, it is said.

Reports said the glass bridge in Bihar is being constructed on the lines of a spectacular glass bridge in China’s Hangzhou province. Technically, this is India’s second glass bridge but as a matter of fact this is the first such bridge. As such, the first one proposed at Rishikesh in Uttarakhand state is yet to be completed.

In February this year, the Uttarakhand government had announced to replace the iconic Lakshman Jhula constructed in 1923 with a glass bridge after it was declared unfit for visitors. According to the design prepared by the Public Works Department, the total length and width of the new bridge will be 132.2 meters and 8 meters respectively whereas the glass floor will be 1.5 meters in width. However, the construction of this bridge is yet to start.