New Delhi: A “floating bridge” on which Rs 80 lakh was reportedly spent and which was inaugurated on May 6 collapsed on May 9 in Karnataka’s Udupi. Videos showing parts of the bridge disconnecting were shared multiple times on social media as many voiced safety concerns.Reports have it that the bridge – publicised as the state’s first floating bridge – was inaugurated by Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat at the Malpe Beach in Udupi.Floating bridge inaugurated by #Udupi MlA Raghupati Bhat last Friday has collapsed. Rs. 80 lakh was spent on this floating bridge. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/6JnwglRfmH— Imran Khan (@KeypadGuerilla) May 9, 2022 Hindustan Times has reported that the bridge is 100-metre-long and three-metre-wide and can sustain the weight of around 100 people on it. Tourists would be allowed to stay on the bridge for only 15 minutes.Leaseholder Sudesh Shetty told news outlets that it was intentionally “dismantled” to avoid damage to the bridge after cyclonic weather on Sunday, May 8.“We had to disconnect the locks of the bridge because of the cyclone effect and heavy wind to avoid further damage. So some of the blocks of the bridge were floating in the sea,” he told Indian Express.Shetty said that the claim that the bridge is “damaged” was a rumour. “There is a rumour that the bridge is damaged, but I confirm that there were neither casualties nor any harm to anyone,” he said.The bridge is under maintenance work, he additionally claimed.“Floating bridge is under maintenance work now, he said. After the cyclonic weather goes, water sports activities will be resumed and floating bridge will be also put to use,” he told The New Indian Express.