BBMB nod to skywalk, hanging restaurant at Mandi Bharari

The Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has given its approval for the construction of a skywalk and hanging restaurant at Mandi Bharari, near the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway in Bilaspur district. This long-awaited project aims to transform the area into a prominent tourist attraction, featuring a wayside amenities centre, an adventure zone and a water sports arena.

In the 1960s, during the construction of the Bhakhra Dam, the BBMB built a large crane structure to lift heavy materials from the Sutlej. Although the structure lay unused for decades due to its remote location, the new four-lane highway has brought it within easy reach, attracting the district administration’s attention. The primary obstacle in developing the site was obtaining BBMB’s permission, which has now been granted.

Bilaspur Deputy Commissioner Abid Hussain Sadiq said the district administration has prepared a detailed plan to develop Mandi Bharari as a key tourist destination. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has supported the initiative, aiding in securing the necessary permissions. The proposed design includes a skywalk on the crane rails and a hanging restaurant, suspended 150 to 250 feet above a water body, offering a thrilling experience for visitors.

The project is expected to generate substantial revenue, estimated at Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore annually, benefiting the government exchequer. Deputy Commissioner Sadiq aims to complete the project within the next three months, envisioning it as a unique, state-of-the-art attraction that promises an exhilarating experience for tourists.