Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula Bridge

Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge across the river Ganges. This is a very famous and older bridge on river ganga and has been closed from 2020. Lakshman Jhula was built in the time of the East India Company.

Geography

It is located 5 kilometres (3 mi) north-east of the city of Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The bridge connects the villages of Tapovan to Jonk. Tapovan is in Tehri Garhwal district, on the west bank of the river, while Jonk is in Pauri Garhwal district, on the east bank. Lakshman Jhula used to be a pedestrian bridge also used by motorbikes. It is located on the outskirts of the city. It is a landmark of Rishikesh. A larger bridge 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) downstream from Lakshman Jhula is Ram Jhula.

History

As of November 5, 2020, this bridge is restricted to pedestrian access and is set to be closed permanently when a replacement is built parallel to it. Barriers on both sides prevent vehicular traffic including motorcycles and scooters.

It is said that the Hindu deity Lakshmana crossed the Ganges on jute ropes where the bridge is found.[1] Lakshman Jhula was completed in 1929.[2]

Two plaques exist at the foot of the west side of the bridge.

The first plaque reads:

Lakshman Jhula Bridge
First Jeepable Suspension Bridge of U.P.
Span - 450 feet
Carriage Way - 6 feet

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.
Officers / Officials responsible include:
1. Chief Engineer - P. H. Tillard
2. Superintending Engineer - E. H. Cornelius
3. Executive Engineer - C. F. Hunter
4. Assistant Engineers - Jagdish Prasad, Avadh Narain
5. Overseer - Bala Ram

The second plaque reads:

Lakshman Jhuala Suspension Bridge
Span - 450 feet
Height of roadway above mean summer water level - 59 feet

Opened to traffic by H.E. Sir Malcolm Haley C.C.I.E. K.C.S.I. Governor of the United Provinces on 11 April 1930. This bridge was constructed by the Public Works Department during the years 1927-1929. It replaces the old bridge of 284 feet span, which was the gift of Rai Bahadur Surajmal Jhunjhunwala father of Rai Bahadur Shewpershad Tulshan, and was situated about 200 feet down stream. This was washed away by the great flood of October, 1924 which undermined the left abutment. The extra cost of rebuilding this new bridge as nearly as possible on the site of the old bridge has been contributed by Rai Bahadur Shewpershad Tulshan to perpetuate the honored memory of his father and no toll or tax will ever be imposed or realized for crossing this bridge.

  • A view of the bridge.
    A view of the bridge.
  • the bridge and area before major commercial development
    the bridge and area before major commercial development

References

  1. ^ Kohli, M.S. (2002). Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure and Pilgrimage. New Delhi: Indus Publishing Company. p. 316. ISBN 81-7387-135-3.
  2. ^ "Lakshman Jhula". India9.com. Retrieved 20 July 2009.

30°7′34.9″N 78°19′47.6″E / 30.126361°N 78.329889°E / 30.126361; 78.329889


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