Udupi : The first floating bridge of the state was inaugurated at Malpe beach on May 6, Friday by Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat.

Speaking on the occasion, Bhat said the beach which is already attracting tourists from different parts of the nation as well as abroad, would attract still more people due to the latest attraction. He said apart from attractions, providing maximum safety to the visitors is also the priority.

He said 20 to 25 lifeguards will also be appointed and two watercrafts will also be purchased by the district administration for the safety of the tourists.

The total length of the bridge is 100 meters while the width is 3.5 meters. As of now the bridge will be open on a trial basis for 15 days and will be available for tourists next year. The bridge has been constructed at a cost of around Rs 80 lakhs.

Each tourist will be allowed to stay on the bridge for 15 minutes. Bhat said the floating bridge will attract tourists as it gives the unique feeling of the movement of the sea under their feet. “A team from Hanuman Vittoba Bhajan Mandali took up this project and the priority has been given to the security of visitors.

Udupi CMC President Sumitra Nayak, former minister Pramod Madhwaraj and others were present.