On Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated a remarkable new glass bridge connecting the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the towering 133-foot Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari district. This innovative structure, said to be the first of its kind in India, was launched to commemorate the silver jubilee of the unveiling of the Thiruvalluvar statue, which was initiated by the late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.
The bridge offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a stunning view of the sea as they walk above it. According to a tourism official, the bridge delivers “a thrilling experience of walking above the sea.” The glass bridge stretches 77 meters in length, is 10 meters wide, and stands 133 feet above the ground.
Cutting-Edge Design and Engineering
Designed to withstand the saline sea breeze and high humidity, the bridge features a bowstring arch structure, ensuring its durability in the coastal environment. Tourists, who once relied on ferry rides to travel between the two landmarks, can now walk across the bridge, enjoying a quick and scenic passage between the two monuments.
Following the inauguration, Chief Minister Stalin walked across the bridge, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, several state ministers, Member of Parliament Kanimozhi, and senior government officials. A laser light show was also held at the Thiruvalluvar statue to mark the occasion.
Promoting Tamil Culture and Legacy
Stalin took the opportunity to honor the enduring legacy of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, announcing that the last week of December will be celebrated annually as “Thirukkural Week,” aimed at promoting the poet's teachings and his famous work, the Thirukkural.
Political Backlash
However, the project was not without political controversy. Opposition AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami claimed credit for the initiative, stating that the project was sanctioned and granted environmental clearance during his tenure as Chief Minister.
Palaniswami further remarked, “Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who inaugurated the glass bridge in Kanyakumari on Monday, did not initiate the project. It was brought forward during the AIADMK regime when I was the Chief Minister.” He added that, recognizing Kanyakumari as a prominent tourist destination, he had requested the Union Shipping Minister to build a bridge linking the Thiruvalluvar statue to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
The inauguration of the glass bridge in Kanyakumari thus marked not only a significant milestone in tourism development but also a moment of political contention in the state.
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