New Delhi – The Public Works Department has officially taken charge of the iconic elevated structure over the Yamuna River, marking a significant administrative transition in the management of one of Delhi’s most prominent landmarks. This transfer of Signature Bridge maintenance responsibility comes after repeated requests from the previous custodian citing financial constraints and operational challenges.
Administrative Transfer From Tourism Department
The Signature Bridge maintenance was previously handled by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, which constructed the elevated structure and opened it to the public in 2018. The bridge, built at a cost of ₹1,518.37 crore, represents a major investment in Delhi’s infrastructure and stands as a landmark connecting different parts of the capital.
Citing lack of adequate funds, DTTDC had written to the PWD multiple times throughout last year, requesting the agency to assume responsibility for the bridge’s upkeep. The repeated appeals finally resulted in the administrative handover, with PWD officials confirming the transfer on Thursday.
A government official explained that DTTDC was initially provided funds to build the bridge and maintain it for three years. “After three years, the DTTDC started facing budget issues and decided to hand over the maintenance to PWD. The bridge is a technically advanced infrastructure and required specialised maintenance and upkeep,” the official stated.
Comprehensive Security Overhaul Planned
A major component of the new Signature Bridge maintenance strategy involves a complete security transformation. PWD has announced plans to invest ₹1.5 crore specifically on watch and ward services to address multiple security concerns that have plagued the structure.
“Guards will be deployed round-the-clock in three eight hour shifts and an armed gunman will also be deployed. ₹1.5 crore will be spent on the watch and ward of the bridge,” a senior PWD official revealed. This represents a substantial commitment to ensuring the safety and security of both the structure and its users.
The enhanced security measures for Signature Bridge maintenance come in response to recurring problems that have affected the landmark. Several incidents of theft have been reported, with parts, nut-bolts, and other components of the bridge being stolen. Additionally, the structure has become a popular spot for people performing dangerous stunts and shooting social media reels, raising safety concerns.
Bidding Process and Timeline
To implement the new security arrangements for Signature Bridge maintenance, the PWD has invited bids for the project. According to officials, the bidding process is expected to be finalized by January 7, enabling the rapid deployment of the enhanced security infrastructure.
The quick timeline reflects the urgency with which PWD is approaching its new responsibilities, recognizing that delays in implementing proper security could lead to further deterioration of the structure and ongoing safety issues.
Current Condition and Challenges
The transfer of Signature Bridge maintenance responsibilities comes at a time when the structure faces multiple operational challenges. Beyond the theft issues, the bridge suffers from poor sanitation conditions, presenting an unpleasant experience for visitors and commuters.
Additionally, the lifts installed in the structure are frequently dysfunctional, limiting accessibility and causing inconvenience to users. These operational failures have diminished the bridge’s functionality and appeal, despite its architectural significance.
Perhaps most notably, the viewing box located in the pylon and the lifts providing access to it have never been opened for public use since the bridge’s inauguration. This represents a significant missed opportunity, as the 154-meter high viewing box was designed to be a major tourist attraction.
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Architectural and Connectivity Significance
The structure under new Signature Bridge maintenance arrangements connects Outer Ring Road with Karawal Nagar and Bhajanpura in northeast Delhi. It provides direct connectivity to Loni, Rajinder Nagar, Ghaziabad, and the northeast and central parts of the capital, serving as a crucial transportation link.
The bridge is projected as India’s first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge, featuring 127 strands of steel cables. This unique design distinguishes it from other bridges in the country and contributes to its status as an engineering marvel.
The pylon of the bridge holds the distinction of being the tallest structure in Delhi, standing double the height of the historic Qutub Minar. This impressive height makes it a dominant feature of Delhi’s skyline and underscores the importance of proper maintenance and security.
Future Prospects Under PWD Management
With PWD now overseeing Signature Bridge maintenance, expectations are high that the structure will receive the specialized attention it requires. The agency’s commitment to substantial security investment and systematic approach to addressing existing problems signals a potentially positive transformation.
The technical complexity of the bridge demands specialized knowledge and resources for proper upkeep. PWD’s decision to prioritize security as the first major intervention suggests a methodical approach to addressing the various challenges that have accumulated since the bridge’s opening.
As the bidding process concludes and new security arrangements take effect, the improved Signature Bridge maintenance regime may finally allow this landmark to fulfill its intended purpose as both a functional transportation link and a tourist destination showcasing Delhi’s modern infrastructure capabilities.
The ₹1.5 crore security investment represents just the beginning of what will likely be an ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing one of Delhi’s most distinctive modern landmarks under its new custodian.
