Napne Glass Bridge: Maharashtra’s First Glass Bridge Now Over Napne Waterfall
Napne Glass Bridge: Maharashtra’s First Glass Bridge Now Over Napne Waterfall
80% work complete; Rs 99.63 lakh project to boost eco-tourism near Vaibhavwadi, Sindhudurg
A stunning new tourist attraction is taking shape in Maharashtra, where the state’s first-ever glass bridge is being constructed over the perennial Napne Waterfall, located near Nadhavade village on the Kolhapur-Tarle National Highway in Vaibhavwadi taluka of Sindhudurg district.
Funded through the Sindhuratna tourism promotion scheme, the bridge project is nearing completion, with 80 percent of the work already finished. The initiative, costing Rs 99.63 lakh, is designed to elevate the natural beauty of Napne Falls and offer tourists a thrilling, panoramic view of the cascading waters below.
Natural Beauty and Location
Napane Falls is known for its year-round flow and lush green surroundings. It is located just 6 km from Nadhavade village and 3 km from Vaibhavwadi railway station, making it easily accessible for visitors. The falls draw families and nature lovers, especially in the summer, who wade into the stream to enjoy the cool waters. During monsoon, however, the river swells and the waterfall becomes fierce, making close-up viewing dangerous. The glass bridge aims to bridge this gap, allowing tourists to safely enjoy a close view of the waterfall even during heavy rains.
Innovative Features
The glass bridge features a colourful arch-style railing, making it visually striking. Stairs with wooden-style decorative railings have been added to facilitate safe access to the bridge. Tourists can not only view the main waterfall from the bridge, but also admire smaller waterfalls upstream, a unique vantage point now made possible through this structure.
Adding to the charm, an artificial butterfly sculpture has been installed at the entrance of the bridge, quickly becoming a favourite selfie point. Meanwhile, wildlife and bird paintings on nearby rocks enhance the aesthetic and educational appeal of the area.
Vision for Tourism Growth
The demand to develop Napne Falls into a tourist destination had been long-standing. It gained momentum after former Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar and then Tourism Minister Jaykumar Rawal inspected the site and asked the Public Works Department (PWD) to create a master plan. This resulted in a detailed design including a glass bridge, access steps, and basic amenities for tourists.
Once completed and opened to the public in the coming weeks, the Napne Glass Bridge is expected to boost tourism in the Konkan region, providing an eco-friendly yet exhilarating way to experience the majestic beauty of Napne Falls like never before.
