India’s Tallest Bungy Jump Tower, “Himalayan Bungy” at Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Himalayan Bungy by Bungy in Rishikesh is India’s tallest bungy jumping facility situated in Shivpuri, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The site location opens up to panoramic views of the Ganga and the Himalayan ranges and imbibes the thrill and adventurous aura of the activity.

The total height of the structure is 75 m with a 25-m long cantilever boom for jump at height of 63 m above base, jumping down the hill such that total jump drop is 117 m at landing point (Highest in India). A giant swing has also been installed from same tower which is another thrilling activity. Viewing deck at top gives mesmerizing view of river Ganges and entire surroundings in Rishikesh. Top of tower is almost 150m above the main highway in front.

The tower has been designed as special braced frame in open latticed tower configuration. Cross Bracings in vertical & horizontal plane have been provided at suitable locations to resist the lateral force & torsional effects due to earthquake & wind.

Due to long cantilever projection, excessive torsion was present in the structure, lateral stability had been achieved by bracings in plan. Also, High strength wire ropes have been used to support the cantilever boom.

For additional precaution, wire ropes have also been used on the back side anchored with a concrete block.

The tower site is in mountainous terrain of Himalaya, located in artificial terraced soil with relatively steep debris covered and forested slope and a gentle slope below. The area represents a highly rugged topography characterised by moderate to steep slopes that are intervened by narrow valleys. The area lies in seismic zone IV close to zone V and is known to experience frequent land-slides, especially during the monsoon.

To stabilise the hill slope, one RCC retaining wall has been constructed near base and two stone masonry walls along the slope, using geogrids reinforcements.

Due to long cantilever boom, overturning moment was predominant at base in the structure. Hence tower was rested over a large raft foundation 4m below EGL based upon detailed geological and geotechnical investigations.

Due to height, location, boom length, time constraint and less recurring maintenance cost, steel has been obvious choice over concrete. Hollow sections were chosen since they have advantage of high strength to weight ratio, rigidity, durability, less surface area and elegant look. Using steel enhanced the creativity and helped us overcome various challenges.

Initially, SHS and RHS steel sections were used in design, but due to high drag coefficient of these shapes, overall weight was more. The design was thus changed to CHS and the overall weight of the structure was reduced by almost 25 per cent.

Huge erection challenges were faced due to hill top site location, narrow approach road and limited space around the tower base. Structural members of small length were provided with bolted connections. All the components were prefabricated offsite and only erection was done at Site using special cranes. Also, working at heights and boom level required few dare devil work force.

Fact File
Client: Bungy in Rishikesh
Architecture: Studio Emergence, Mumbai
Consultant: Skeleton Consultants Pvt. Ltd
Fabricator: HMPL Haridwar
Tonnage: 300 MT
Status: Completed

Skeleton Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
Web : www.skeleton.in