What Is Bajrang Setu in Rishikesh? | India’s First Glass-Floor Suspension Bridge, Opening Date, Tickets & How to Visit (2026 Guide)
Bajrang Setu is India’s first glass-floor cable suspension bridge over the Ganga River in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Spanning 132 metres and costing approximately ₹68–70 crore, it replaces the now-closed Lakshman Jhula at the same historic site in Tapovan. As of April 2026, technical testing is complete and the bridge is nearing its official inauguration, with some glass panel replacements underway following minor pre-opening incidents.
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What Is Bajrang Setu and Why Does It Matter for Rishikesh Tourism?
Rishikesh has been missing a piece of its soul since 2019, the year Lakshman Jhula, a nearly century-old pedestrian bridge, was shut indefinitely due to structural failure. For over 90 years, that swaying suspension bridge was as much a part of Rishikesh as the Ganga Aarti or the ashrams lining the riverbank. Its closure left a connectivity gap and a tourism void that local traders felt acutely for years. Where Lakshman Jhula was a rusted wire-rope bridge from 1929, Bajrang Setu is a 21st-century cable suspension structure with glass floors, Kedarnath-temple-inspired towers, and LED lighting that illuminates the Ganga after dark. It is being built at precisely the same location, in the Laxman Jhula area of Tapovan, connecting the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway on one bank with the Yamkeshwar block of Pauri district on the other.
The name “Bajrang” honours Lord Hanuman (Bajrang Bali), and the structure is also seen as a tribute to Lakshman, Lord Ram’s brother, who is believed to have crossed the Ganga here on a rope of jute. The twin towers are architecturally modelled on the sanctum of Kedarnath Temple, while depictions of Lord Kedarnath and Lord Badrinath adorn each side — making this a piece of infrastructure that carries genuine spiritual weight for pilgrims, not just photo-ops for travellers. For local shopkeepers who lost years of footfall after Lakshman Jhula’s closure, the bridge’s opening represents an economic lifeline. “After five years of tough times, we are optimistic that things will get much better,” one local trader told reporters in March 2026. That sentiment is widely shared across Tapovan and Swargashram.
Key Facts About Bajrang Setu at a Glance
The following summary covers the bridge’s core specifications for quick reference:
- Location: Tapovan area, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (at the former Lakshman Jhula site)
- Length: 132 metres
- Width: 8 metres (total)
- Glass walkways: 1.5 metres wide on both sides, five layers of 12 mm toughened glass each (60 mm total thickness)
- Central deck: For two-wheelers and light vehicles
- Project cost: ₹68–70 crore (Uttarakhand PWD, Narendra Nagar Division)
- Construction began: 2022
- Tower design: Inspired by Kedarnath Temple sanctum
- Special features: LED night lighting, panoramic Ganga views from glass floor, Hanuman statue
- Status (April 2026): Technical testing complete; official inauguration pending; CCTV cameras being installed
Bajrang Setu Opening Date 2026: Current Status
As of April 2026, technical testing by relevant authorities has been completed. However, two separate pre-inauguration incidents involving the glass walkway panels have caused additional scrutiny. On January 3, 2026, a panel cracked after a worker’s hammer fell on it during construction. A more recent incident on April 9–10, 2026 involved damage to the top glass layer — attributed to unidentified persons — prompting authorities to temporarily restrict access to the glass walkway section and announce CCTV installation. An inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the repeated glass damage.
Importantly, PWD Executive Engineer Praveen Karnawal confirmed that in the second incident, only the top layer of the five-layer toughened glass system was affected, while the four load-bearing layers beneath remained completely intact, underscoring that the structural system functioned as designed. The bridge itself remains structurally safe and sound.
What this means for travellers: The full glass-floor experience of Bajrang Setu may not be accessible on day one of opening. The main bridge deck for pedestrians and two-wheelers is expected to be operational. Check the Uttarakhand Tourism official website or local news sources before visiting for the latest inauguration date.
Design and Engineering: What Makes Bajrang Setu India’s First
The “India’s first” designation refers specifically to the combination of cable suspension architecture with glass flooring over a river, a distinction no other Indian bridge holds. It is also reportedly only the second such bridge in Asia. The glass walkways are the standout feature. Each side of the bridge has a 1.5-metre-wide transparent walkway made of five stacked layers of 12 mm toughened glass, giving a total panel thickness of 60 mm. Walking across them means seeing the sacred Ganga flowing directly beneath your feet, at a height of roughly 57 to 70 feet above the river.
The towers are not generic steel pylons. They are shaped to echo the spire architecture of Kedarnath Temple, integrating the region’s spiritual identity into the structural form itself. After dark, LED lighting transforms the bridge into a glowing landmark across the water — a detail that is already drawing interest from photographers and social media travellers.
The central lane accommodates two-wheelers, providing functional connectivity for locals between the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway and the Yamkeshwar block, not just a tourist attraction. This dual utility, spiritual tourism draw and working infrastructure is central to how Uttarakhand’s PWD has positioned the project.
Bajrang Setu Tickets, Timings, and Entry Fee (2026)
Official ticket pricing has not been confirmed at the time of writing (April 2026), as the bridge has not yet been formally inaugurated. Based on information from tourism officials and local reports, the following is the best current estimate:
| Detail | Expected Information |
|---|---|
| Entry fee (pedestrian) | Free initially, possibly ₹50–100 per person post-inauguration |
| Timings | Estimated 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Booking | On-site counter (no pre-booking system announced yet) |
| Two-wheeler access | Likely subject to separate toll |
| Photography | Permitted; designated areas expected |
| Restricted items | High heels and heavy luggage not recommended on glass walkway |
Important note: These figures are based on pre-inauguration estimates and government statements. Confirm current pricing and timings via Uttarakhand Tourism’s official website or at the bridge entrance before planning your visit.
How to Reach Bajrang Setu from Rishikesh and Beyond
The bridge is located in the Tapovan area of Rishikesh, specifically at the Laxman Jhula zone. Here is how to reach it from various points:
From Rishikesh Bus Stand (Main City Area):
Approximately 5 km. Take a local auto-rickshaw (₹80–120) or shared e-rickshaw. The route passes through Muni Ki Reti and approaches Tapovan from the Rishikesh side of the Ganga. Travel time is roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
From Rishikesh Railway Station:
The station is about 8 km away. Autos and taxis are readily available outside the station. Pre-negotiate fares; expect ₹150–200 for an auto, more for a cab.
From Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun):
The airport is 23–35 km depending on road conditions. Taxis from the airport take approximately 45–60 minutes. Pre-book cabs for reliability, especially during peak season.
From Haridwar:
About 25 km via NH-58. Frequent shared taxis and buses connect Haridwar to Rishikesh. From Rishikesh city centre, follow the above route to Tapovan.
From Delhi:
Delhi to Rishikesh is approximately 240–260 km via the Haridwar route (NH-58). By road, allow 5–7 hours. By train, the Haridwar Shatabdi or Jan Shatabdi from New Delhi station reaches Haridwar in about 4 hours; then continue by road.
Walking from Ram Jhula:
A scenic riverside walk from Ram Jhula to the Bajrang Setu site takes 20–30 minutes and passes cafes, yoga studios, and river-view ghats — a highly recommended approach for unhurried travellers.
Best Time to Visit Bajrang Setu in Rishikesh
The broader best-time advice for Rishikesh applies here: October through June is the recommended window. Each period has its own character:
October–November (Post-Monsoon Peak): The Ganga runs clear after the rains, the air is crisp, and Rishikesh fills with yoga retreaters and pilgrims arriving for Diwali. Ideal for photography from the bridge, as morning light hits the Himalayan foothills in the background.
December–February (Winter Calm): Fewer crowds, cool to cold temperatures (5–18°C). Mornings on the glass walkway offer mist over the Ganga — a different and equally compelling visual. Layered clothing essential.
March–May (Pre-Summer): The most popular window for adventure tourism — white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and camping are all in full swing. The bridge will likely see its highest visitor numbers here. Arrive early (before 8 AM) to avoid crowds and heat.
April 2026 specifically: Given the current pre-inauguration period, April visits will offer the novelty of being among the first public visitors. The post-monsoon clarity and moderate temperatures make conditions pleasant. Check opening status before travelling.
Avoid July–September: Monsoon brings heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, and suspension of most adventure activities. The bridge may be operational, but the experience is limited and conditions can be unpredictable.
Where to Stay in Rishikesh
Vista Divine
Grey 2 BHK @ Nirvanika Wellness
Echoes of Ease
Bajrang Setu and Nearby Attractions: Planning Your Rishikesh Itinerary
A visit to Bajrang Setu pairs naturally with the broader cluster of attractions in the Tapovan–Swargashram area. A practical one-day plan:
Morning (7–10 AM): Visit Bajrang Setu at sunrise for the best less crowded experience. Walk the glass walkway (if open). Cross to the Swargashram side for chai and breakfast at one of the riverside cafes near Parmarth Niketan.
Mid-Morning (10 AM–12 PM): Head to Parmarth Niketan Ashram — one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, open to visitors for a look at its courtyard and Ganga ghats. Continue to Ram Jhula, about 2 km south, for a contrasting perspective on the river crossing tradition.
Afternoon (12–3 PM): Explore the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia), where The Beatles famously stayed in 1968 to study Transcendental Meditation. Entry is ticketed (around ₹150 for Indians). The murals inside are genuinely worth the visit.
Late Afternoon (3–5 PM): Return to the Tapovan side for the craft market near the old Lakshman Jhula area. Pick up Uttarakhand-made items — rudraksha beads, essential oils, hand-block printed fabrics.
Evening (6 PM onward): The Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan is one of the most photographed rituals in India. Watch from the ghat as the lamps are offered to the river. Then revisit Bajrang Setu after dark to see the LED lighting effect.
For a two-day itinerary: Add Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (14 km from Rishikesh, up in the hills), and Rajaji National Park on the second day. The park is approximately 20 km from central Rishikesh and offers elephant and leopard sightings, best done by jeep safari in the morning.
Safety Tips and Things to Know Before You Visit
The glass walkway incidents in early 2026 have drawn attention to visitor behaviour on the bridge. A few practical points:
What not to wear or carry on the glass walkway: High-heeled footwear can concentrate point-load stress on individual glass panels and is strongly discouraged. Heavy rolling luggage and trolleys have also been flagged as problematic. Avoid dragging anything with hard wheels across the glass surface.
The glass is structurally robust: The five-layer toughened glass system (60 mm total) was specifically engineered for heavy pedestrian traffic. Even in the April 2026 incident, only the cosmetic top layer was affected; the load-bearing layers below remained intact. The engineering redundancy is real.
CCTV is now operational: After the pre-inauguration damage incidents, cameras have been installed across the bridge and lighting has been improved. Security personnel will likely be present post-inauguration.
Crowd management: Expect high footfall on weekends and public holidays. Weekday mornings between 7 and 9 AM offer the best combination of light, low crowds, and unobstructed photography.
Medical and emergency: Rishikesh has several hospitals and clinics. AIIMS Rishikesh, a major government facility, is within the city.
Final Thoughts
Bajrang Setu is more than a bridge. It is Rishikesh’s next defining landmark, blending sacred mythology, Himalayan engineering, and the thrill of walking on glass above the Ganga. Whether you are drawn by spiritual curiosity, adventure tourism in Uttarakhand, or simply the desire to witness India’s first glass-floor suspension bridge up close, this is one addition to Rishikesh’s tourist places that genuinely earns the hype.
As the official inauguration inches closer in 2026, now is the time to plan your visit, map your itinerary around Tapovan and Swargashram, and arrive before the crowds catch on. Rishikesh has always rewarded those who show up with intention — and Bajrang Setu gives you one more powerful reason to do exactly that.
FAQs
Bajrang Setu is India’s first glass-floor cable suspension bridge over the Ganga River in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It spans 132 metres, costs ₹68–70 crore, and replaces the closed Lakshman Jhula at the same Tapovan site.
As of April 13, 2026, the bridge has completed technical testing but has not been formally inaugurated. Access to the glass walkway is restricted pending repairs to a damaged panel. The official opening is expected imminently. Verify status before visiting.
No official ticket price has been confirmed. Estimates from tourism officials suggest pedestrian access may be free initially, with a potential fee of ₹50–100 per person introduced later. Check at the site on the day of your visit.
The walkway uses five stacked layers of 12 mm toughened glass, totalling 60 mm thickness, engineered to handle substantial pedestrian load. In the April 2026 damage incident, only the top decorative layer cracked; the four structural layers below were unaffected.
Approximately 5 km from the main Rishikesh bus stand. Autos charge ₹80–120; the journey takes 20–30 minutes.
October to June is the ideal window. October–November and March–May are peak seasons. Early mornings (before 9 AM) offer the best photography conditions and fewer crowds year-round.
Yes. It is built at the same location and designed to serve the same connectivity function — connecting Tapovan on the Rishikesh side with the Pauri district side. Lakshman Jhula was closed in 2019 (some accounts cite 2022 for complete closure) after being declared structurally unsafe.
Yes. The central lane of the 8-metre-wide bridge is designed for two-wheelers. Pedestrians use the glass walkways on either side.
Ram Jhula (2 km south), Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Swargashram, Beatles Ashram, Triveni Ghat, and Tapovan’s café and yoga district are all within easy reach.
Yes. The bridge itself, the views of the Ganga from the deck, the Kedarnath-inspired towers, and the surrounding Tapovan area make it a compelling visit regardless of walkway access.
