Signature Bridge to miss deadline, again

Despite assurances from chief minister Sheila Dikshit that the Signature Bridge would be fully functional by the end of 2013, officials were told in a review meeting that it might not be so. The new deadline is the end of 2014. Neelam Pandey reports.

Despite assurances from chief minister Sheila Dikshit that the Signature Bridge would be fully functional by the end of 2013, officials were told in a review meeting that it might not be so. The new deadline is the end of 2014.

HT Image

The Signature Bridge – comprising a western approach main flyover, western approach loops, eastern approach main flyover, eastern approach embankment and main bridge – will connect the marginal bund road near Khajuri Khas intersection on the eastern side and Outer Ring Road on the western side.

Sources said the delay is because several parts for the bridge have to be imported and the current dollar rate is high, making these parts expensive.

A senior Delhi government official said, "The contractor has given us a new deadline of June 2014 stating that not being able to procure a number of components has resulted in the delay. But according to our estimates they will only be able to complete the work by December 2014."

According to official, this delay will again escalate the total cost by at least 10%. Currently, the cost of the project is Rs 1,131 crore.

One of the most hyped projects of the Delhi government, the bridge has already missed several deadlines. It was supposed to be completed by the CWG held in 2010.

"The contractor has blamed delay in land allocation by the government and clearance from the forest department for not being able to meet the deadline," added the official.

Meanwhile, the second carriageway on the western approach road of the Wazirabad Signature Bridge project was thrown open to traffic on trial basis on Thursday, making travel between Kashmere Gate and Azadpur easier. The opposite carriageway has been operational since March.