Haridwar, March 26 -- Haridwar's newly built Bajrang Setu bridge near Rishikesh will soon open fully to the public, replacing the iconic Lakshman Jhula, which has been closed since April 16, 2022, over safety fears, officials said. At present, only pedestrians, including pilgrims, tourists and local residents, are allowed to use Bajrang Setu in a regulated, time-bound manner, while vehicular traffic awaits final clearances. Senior officials at the public works department (PWD) Narendra Nagar in Tehri Garhwal said construction began in late 2022 and is now nearly complete. PWD assistant engineer Suresh Rathore said, "Technical assessment of the 132.20-metre-long Bajrang Setu is currently underway. Weight load testing will also be conducted soon. The bridge is almost ready and is expected to become a major attraction in the area, much like Lakshman Jhula." The historic Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge built in the late 1920s across the Ganga in Rishikesh, was first closed in 2019 owing to safety concerns. It briefly reopened amid public demand but shut permanently after damage to its supporting cables. Bajrang Setu, built at a cost of Rs.69.20 crore, measures around five metres wide and includes a 1.5-metre-wide toughened glass footpath for pedestrians. It links Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal on the Ganga's western bank with Jonk/Swargashram in Pauri Garhwal on the eastern side. According to Hindu tradition, the site takes its name from the belief that Lord Ram's brother Lakshman crossed the river here using jute ropes. Visitors have already begun flocking to the bridge. Officials said the bridge will open to the public soon after all safety checks and formal approvals....