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Akkulam Tourist Village, a popular backwater destination and picnic spot in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is facing concerns over the safety of its newly built glass bridge. The glass bridge, which became a top attraction, has developed cracks, raising questions about whether it will be open to tourists.
About Akkulam Tourist Village
Akkulam Tourist Village is well-known for its beautiful backwaters and is a favorite spot for family picnics and day outings. It is located about 10 kilometers from the city center of Thiruvananthapuram. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, exploring the children's park, visiting the Air Force Museum with its flying simulator, and swimming. The village is situated on the serene banks of Akkulam Lake, providing a peaceful environment for relaxation and fun.
The Glass Bridge
The glass bridge at Akkulam Tourist Village is a significant attraction. Promoted as a key part of Kerala's adventure tourism, it is the longest glass bridge in the state. The bridge stretches over 52 meters and stands 75 feet high, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. The bridge also features an immersive multimedia experience with simulated effects of snow, rain, and the thrill of glass cracking, all brought to life by advanced LED screens.
Safety Concerns
Recently, cracks were discovered on the viewing deck of the glass bridge. This has led to serious concerns about the safety and construction standards of the bridge. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) and the Tourism Department are now under pressure to address these issues. The tourism department has not granted permission to open the bridge to the public until it is confirmed to be 100% safe.
Current Status
The bridge was originally planned to be inaugurated in March, but this event was postponed indefinitely after a mishap involving a floating bridge at Varkala. The authorities are now conducting a thorough safety evaluation of the glass bridge. An expert panel is being considered to assess the safety and quality of the bridge and other similar adventure infrastructures.
Quick Response
The cracks on the viewing deck were quickly addressed by the Vattiyoorkavu Youth Brigade Entrepreneur Cooperative Society (VYBECOS), the agency responsible for the bridge's construction. They replaced the cracked glass overnight, working from early morning until 8 AM. However, the Tourism Secretary, Biju K, stated that neither the state government nor the Tourism Department has permitted to open the glass bridge to the public due to safety concerns. Permission will only be granted once the bridge is deemed completely safe.
Future Steps
DTPC officials mentioned that the agency has not yet officially handed over the bridge to the authorities. A detailed safety evaluation will be conducted once this handover takes place. The tourism department is considering forming an expert panel to evaluate the safety and quality of the bridge and other adventure tourism infrastructures.
The glass bridge at Akkulam Tourist Village remains a significant attraction, but safety is a top priority. The authorities are working diligently to ensure that the bridge is safe for visitors. Tourists eagerly awaiting the opening of the bridge will need to wait until all safety evaluations are completed and the bridge is certified safe for use.
