The Public Works Department (PWD) is preparing to commence comprehensive repair work on the iconic Ram Jhula bridge this month. The project, estimated to cost approximately Rs 100 million, is expected to take one year to complete. During this period, all traffic on the bridge will be suspended.

Project Scope And Timeline

Tenders for the repair work have been issued by the Narendranagar division of the PWD.

Objective: The primary goal is to repair the suspender wires, the bridge deck, and other critical components. The department aims to complete the renovations before the Kumbh Mela.

Duration: The work is expected to take about one year.

Traffic Impact: The bridge will be completely closed to traffic while repairs are underway.

Future Benefit: Once the repairs are completed, two-wheeler traffic—which was banned about two and a half years ago—will be permitted to resume.

Historical Context And Safety Concerns

Constructed in 1985, the 220-metre-long bridge spans the Ganga, connecting the Muni Ki Reti area of Tehri district with Swargashram in Pauri district. Originally built exclusively for pedestrians, it later accommodated two-wheelers.

Over time, the load on the bridge increased significantly due to heavy footfall from tourists, devotees, and locals. The pressure intensified following the closure of the nearby Lakshman Jhula bridge.

Damage: Three of the bridge's suspender wires had previously broken.

Restrictions: In 2021, an expert team from the PWD suggested closing or restricting traffic. Consequently, two-wheeler movement was stopped about two and a half years ago, though pedestrian transit continued due to the lack of an alternative.

Technical Details: The Role of Suspender Wires

The Ram Jhula is fitted with 440 suspender wires. These wires play a critical safety role in suspension bridges.

Function: When traffic moves across the bridge, it generates vibrations at specific points. Suspender wires are installed at two-metre intervals to connect the bridge deck to the main cables.

Safety Mechanism: These wires distribute the vibrations evenly across the entire structure, preventing stress from concentrating in a single area and posing a danger to the bridge.

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Official Statement

Praveen Karnwal, Executive Engineer, PWD Narendranagar Division, stated"Some work is required on the wires, deck, and suspenders of the Ram Jhula bridge. The plan is to start this work this month, with a target to complete it in about a year. Traffic will not be permitted during this period. A specific date will be finalised soon."

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