The Public Works Department (PWD) in Delhi has initiated a significant step by engaging the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and IIT Kanpur to perform a comprehensive structural audit of the Signature Bridge. This move comes after the bridge, which was opened to the public in 2018, was recently taken over by PWD for maintenance, following a formal request from the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC).
Background and Maintenance Concerns
Officials revealed that the Signature Bridge, India's first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge, has not undergone a proper structural audit since its inauguration. A senior PWD official highlighted the deteriorating condition, stating, "The bridge is not in a good condition. It had not been maintained properly by DTTDC over the years. It has been seven years since it opened to the public, but not even a single structural audit has been conducted." The official emphasized that elevated corridors like this should ideally undergo structural audits at least twice a year, given the complexity and time involved in such assessments.
Internal Audit Findings and Immediate Repairs
After assuming control of the bridge, the PWD conducted an internal audit that uncovered several issues. The audit report indicated damage to the road surface, grills, and side railings, along with non-functional streetlights. In response, the department promptly addressed these problems by fixing street poles and lights to eliminate dark spots, as well as repairing road surfaces and potholes. However, due to the prolonged lack of a thorough structural audit and maintenance, the PWD decided to involve experts from IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur to ensure the bridge's complete safety and structural integrity.
Expert Involvement and Audit Process
A team of experts from both IITs has already visited the site to begin the audit process. They have requested detailed documentation, including maps, architectural designs, and other construction specifics related to the bridge. The institutes are expected to submit their comprehensive report within a month, after which further interventions will be determined based on their findings. This proactive approach aims to prevent potential hazards and ensure the bridge remains safe for public use.
DTTDC's Perspective and Historical Context
When contacted, a DTTDC official defended the agency's handling of the bridge, stating, "We had handed over the bridge in good condition. But any agency that takes over a stretch like this will conduct an audit to check its structural stability for its satisfaction." The Signature Bridge was originally constructed by DTTDC at a cost of approximately Rs 1,518.37 crore, with a budget allocated for building and maintaining it for three years. After this period ended, DTTDC faced budgetary constraints and opted to transfer the bridge to PWD, which is responsible for road maintenance and repairs in the area.
Bridge Specifications and Connectivity
The Signature Bridge is a cantilever spar cable-stayed structure that spans the Yamuna river at the Wazirabad section, connecting Wazirabad to East Delhi. It plays a crucial role in enhancing connectivity by linking the Outer Ring Road with Northeast Delhi's Karawal Nagar and Bhajanpura. This provides direct access for commuters traveling between Loni in Ghaziabad, Rajinder Nagar, and various parts of Northeast and Central Delhi, such as ITO, thereby easing traffic and improving urban mobility.
This structural audit marks a critical phase in ensuring the longevity and safety of one of Delhi's key infrastructure projects, reflecting broader efforts to maintain public assets through expert oversight and timely interventions.
