THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The much-delayed and controversial glass bridge at Akkulam Tourist Village is finally set to open to the public on October 22. The bridge, first of its kind at a government-run tourism centre in Kerala, had drawn attention for all the wrong reasons after encountering engineering challenges and reports of cracks that surfaced during the trial phase.
Built using three layers of 12-mm-thick laminated glass panels with a 1.5 mm safety film, the 50-metre-long and 2-metre-wide structure can accommodate up to 20 visitors at a time. It features artificial fog, simulated rainfall, illusion of cracking glass and mist effects, along with premium lighting systems designed to enhance the visual experience. The entry fee to the glass bridge has been fixed at `200 for adults and `150 for children.
Ratheesh C S, president of VYBECOS (Vattiyoorkavu Youth Brigade Entrepreneurs Cooperative Society) — the agency that implemented the project –– said that the opening of the glass bridge will give a major boost to adventure tourism in the state. He said that the glass bridge will be a major attraction at the Akkulam Tourist Village, which has already evolved into a key leisure and adventure hub in the capital district.
The centre already features a zipline, sky cycling, multiple high-rope activities, a musical fountain and laser show theatre, Indian Air Force museum, 12D theatre, computer gaming zone, fish spa, kids’ soft play area, toy train, and other amenities.
The glass bridge was constructed by VYBECOS under the BOT (Build Operate Transfer) model. The glass bridge offers visitors a sweeping view of the park and Akkulam lake. A technical committee from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kozhikode, recently inspected and cleared the bridge for public use.
“We did all the safety upgrades suggested by NIT and one of their main recommendations was to give beadings for the glass panels. We completed the work and the expert team visited and gave clearance,” said Ratheesh.