Uttar Pradesh is set to open its first-ever glass skywalk bridge at the scenic Tulsi Waterfall in Chitrakoot soon, officials have confirmed. The Rs 3.70-crore structure, shaped like Lord Ram’s bow and
arrow, not only showcases cutting-edge engineering but also marks a new milestone in the state’s eco-tourism development.
Built from a fusion of glass and steel, the skywalk stands as both a technological marvel and a tribute to the spiritual legacy of Chitrakoot — the land where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman are believed to have spent years during their exile. Officials say the project will transform the district into a major eco-tourism and faith-based destination in Bundelkhand.
Officials with Chitrakoot district administration said Chitrakoot’s skywalk is an inspiration from Bihar’s Rajgir Glass Bridge. The Chitrakoot skywalk reflects a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Designed in the form of Lord Ram’s bow and arrow, it symbolises strength, precision, and divinity — qualities deeply tied to the region’s mythology.
“This bridge is a blend of spirituality and modern architecture,” said a senior official from the Forest and Tourism Department. “Our aim is to develop Chitrakoot as a model for faith-based eco-tourism, where visitors can experience both natural beauty and cultural heritage,” he added.
The official added that the project is expected to attract not just pilgrims but also domestic and international tourists seeking adventure and scenic views. The glass bridge is perched above the cascading Tulsi Waterfall — previously known as Shabari Waterfall — which the state government recently renamed in honour of Goswami Tulsidas, the saint-poet who composed the Ramcharitmanas and is believed to have been born in nearby Rajapur.
The site’s surrounding forest has been developed into Kodand Van, a green eco-park named after Lord Ram’s bow, providing walking trails, viewing points, and meditation zones. Visitors walking across the transparent glass panels will get a 360-degree view of the three-tiered waterfall plunging 40 feet into a wide rocky pool below.
“The visual experience is unmatched,” said Chitrakoot Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) SK Chaudhary. “Standing on the glass deck, visitors will feel as if they are floating above the waterfall. It’s thrilling, but also deeply peaceful,” he added.
Engineered for Strength and Safety
Coming on to the technicalities, he said that the skywalk is constructed by Ghazipur-based Pawan Sut Construction Company, and it extends 25 metres into the gorge and spans 35 metres between its two supporting pillars. The design can withstand a load of 500 kg per square metre, ensuring visitor safety even during peak tourist hours.
Engineers used reinforced steel frames and multi-layered laminated glass panels designed to resist environmental stress and temperature fluctuations. “Safety has been our top priority,” said project engineer Pramod Mishra. “Every component has been tested to international standards. We wanted a structure that’s not just beautiful, but also durable in an eco-sensitive zone.”
The glass bridge is part of a wider state initiative to promote sustainable tourism in Bundelkhand. The Forest and Tourism Departments are also developing a herbal garden, open-air park, and food court near the waterfall to enhance visitor experience while protecting the ecological balance.
“This project will generate employment for locals and boost small businesses,” said a tourism department representative. “From guides to handicraft vendors, local communities are being integrated into every stage of this development.”
Authorities are ensuring eco-friendly measures such as solar lighting, restricted vehicular entry, and waste management systems. “Our approach is to balance development with conservation,” said DFO Chaudhary.
Post-Election Opening and Expectations
Officials said the bridge will be formally inaugurated soon after the Lok Sabha elections. Once opened to the public, it is expected to draw large numbers of tourists from across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
Tourism officials are also planning cultural festivals, eco-camps, and local food events in the Kodand Van area to promote Chitrakoot as a year-round destination. “We’re confident this will put Chitrakoot on the national tourism map,” said the tourism department official.
For centuries, Chitrakoot has been revered as the confluence of devotion and nature — a land immortalised in scripture and song. With the unveiling of the glass skywalk, it is now embracing a new identity: where heritage meets innovation.
“The glass bridge is more than a structure; it’s a symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s evolving vision,” said the senior official. “It represents a state that honours its sacred past while confidently stepping into the future.”
Once opened, the shimmering skywalk above the Tulsi Waterfall is expected to become one of the most photographed and visited destinations in the state — a gleaming testament to how faith, ecology, and engineering can come together to tell a new story of modern India.
