The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) in Idukki has implemented a new measure to control the crowds at the recently-opened cantilever glass bridge at Adventure Park in Kolahalamedu in Vagamon. Under the latest arrangement, tickets mentioning the visiting time will be issued.
DTPC authorities implemented the measure after over 5,000 visitors thronged the glass bridge last Sunday (September 17). As the bridge could not accommodate so many visitors on a single day, the police were called for crowd-control.
As part of the latest system, the glass bridge will continue to remain open every day from 9 am to 6 am and tickets will be issued from 9 am. However, while earlier the ticket counter functioned near the bridge, it has now been shifted to the area where counters issuing tickets for other adventure activities are located. Visitors have to purchase tickets from the new counter and approach the glass bridge only at the time mentioned in the ticket. Arrangements have also been put in place to allow visitors to the glass bridge only at the time allotted to them.
Authorities have also introduced a cap on the number of daily visitors at 1,000. According to them, after the ticket counter is opened at 9 am, only 1,000 tickets will be issued on a first-come first-served basis on that day.
Subsequently, visitors can spend five to seven minutes on the bridge during their allotted time. Only 15 persons would be allowed on the bridge at a time.
Popularity increases
The glass bridge became a big attraction as soon as it was opened and 11,159 visitors enjoyed the sight till September 22. While 3110 people visitors arrived at the bridge when the entry fee was Rs 500, the number increased to 8049 from September 14, when the ticket rate was reduced to Rs 250, to September 22.
DTPC officials said that they had collected Rs 35,67,250 from ticket sales till September 22. Under an agreement signed with a private firm which installed the bridge, 30 per cent of the income will go to the DTPC and 70 per cent to the company.
New packages
DTPC has also announced new packages for visitors at the Adventure Park. The starting package is ‘Silver’ which costs Rs 999 and covers the glass bridge, sky cycle, zipline and 360-degree cycle. Meanwhile, the ‘Gold’ package priced at Rs 1499 allows visitors to enjoy rocket injector and freefall in addition to the Silver package. At the same time, travellers booking the ‘Platinum’ package at Rs 1999 can utilize all the attractions at the park.