India has a rich history of achievements. It is the birthplace of many pioneering initiatives such as the first hydroelectric plant at Sidrapong in Darjeeling and the first nuclear reactor, Apsara, in Maharashtra. Now, the country can proudly add another notable first to its list, which is the inauguration of its first glass sea bridge in Kanyakumari. This remarkable structure was opened on December 30, 2024. It was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.
Spanning an impressive 77 meters in length and 10 meters in width, the glass sea bridge connects the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial with the towering 133-foot Thiruvalluvar statue, situated off the coast of Kanyakumari. As the first of its kind in India, it offers visitors a unique experience of walking above the sea, providing stunning panoramic views of both monuments and the expansive ocean.
The project, valued at INR 37 crore, was inaugurated on the 25th anniversary of the Thiruvalluvar statue’s unveiling by the late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, adding a significant historical dimension to this accomplishment. The bridge not only enhances the visitor experience by eliminating the need for ferry rides but also lets tourists fully immerse themselves in the spectacular seascapes while crossing this engineering marvel.
அய்யன் வள்ளுவர் சிலையை விவேகானந்தர் பாறையுடன் இணைக்கக் கடல் நடுவே அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ள கண்ணாடி இழைப் பாலம் திறப்பு,
பல்வேறு வகைகளிலும் குறள்நெறி பரப்பும் தகைமையாளர்களுக்குச் சிறப்பு,
அறிவார்ந்தோரின் கருத்துச் செறிவுமிக்க பேச்சில் வள்ளுவத்தின் பயன் குறித்த பட்டிமன்றம் – என “வள்ளுவம்… pic.twitter.com/EmATLQhPLh
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 30, 2024
When we speak about the design, this bridge is designed to withstand challenging coastal conditions, including high humidity, salt-laden air, and potential corrosion.
Lastly, the inauguration ceremony was a magnificent event. Chief Minister alongside Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, state ministers, MP Kanimozhi, and other dignitaries took a walk across the bridge to mark this significant occasion.
