Lakshman Juhla

Lakshman Jhula (Hindi: लक्ष्मण झूला, Lakshman Jhola) is a suspension bridge across the river Ganges, located 5 kilometres (3 mi) north-east of the city of Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The bridge connects the two villages of Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal district, on the west bank of the river, to Jonk in Pauri Garhwal district, on the east bank. Lakshman Jhula is a pedestrian bridge that is also used by motorbikes. The bridge is currently closed. Despite its location on the outskirts of the city, it is one of the iconic landmarks of Rishikesh. A larger bridge 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) downstream from Lakshman Jhula is Ram Jhula.

It is said that the Hindu deity Lakshmana crossed the Ganges on jute ropes where the bridge is built. Lakshman Jhula was completed in 1929.

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.

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