The Delhi government has initiated repair work and trial runs of the long-defunct inclined lift system at Signature Bridge to determine whether it can be made operational for public use. The lifts, designed for a 154-metre-high viewing deck, were constructed in 2019-20 as part of the tourism aspect of the Rs 1,500-crore project. However, they are currently non-functional due to a lack of regulatory approvals for carrying tourists.
Officials stated that the current exercise aims to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of the slanting lifts, which were designed to ferry visitors to the viewing gallery atop the bridge's pylon. Four lifts were installed at the foot of the bow-shaped pylon: two slanted at an angle of 60 degrees and two at 80 degrees.
PWD minister Parvesh Verma said, "I have asked to do a testing of the lift system to know its condition and whether it is in a position to be used. Even if they can be made functional, several safety parameters have to be fulfilled. The department will soon get a report on their condition."
Officials noted that key problems include the lifts being very narrow with small cabins, as well as landing-related issues. The inclined lifts were intended to offer panoramic views of the Yamuna and the city skyline, but they were never opened to the public and were used only for maintenance, leaving the viewing gallery inaccessible. Previous attempts to make the system operational encountered regulatory hurdles. Officials of the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), initially responsible for the bridge's upkeep and tourism facilities, said permissions for the inclined lifts were denied by authorities. The regulations permitted only vertical lifts, making it difficult to clear the slanted design despite adherence to international safety standards, according to an official.
The renewed push by the Public Works Department comes after it took over maintenance of the bridge from DTTDC and initiated a broader review of its infrastructure. Internal inspections had flagged multiple issues, including non-functional systems and a lack of periodic upkeep since its inauguration. Officials indicated that the assessment of the lift system is being undertaken alongside wider efforts to evaluate and restore various components of the bridge. PWD has also conducted a comprehensive structural audit through expert agencies and is preparing a long-term maintenance plan.
The Signature Bridge connects Wazirabad in northeast Delhi with other parts of the city and functions as a key traffic corridor.
