Nearly seven years after its inauguration, Delhi’s Signature Bridge is set to undergo its first structural audit, with the Public Works Department (PWD) initiating the process to assess the condition and safety of the landmark structure.
The department has floated a tender to appoint a consultant who will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the bridge and evaluate its structural health. The selected agency will carry out detailed assessments using non-destructive testing methods to examine various structural components and determine whether any repairs or strengthening measures are required.
The audit will also include the preparation of a long-term maintenance plan, along with cost estimates and recommendations for upkeep over the next few years to ensure the durability and safety of the bridge.
The move comes after the PWD recently took over the maintenance responsibility of the bridge from the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC). Preliminary inspections have indicated several maintenance concerns, including damaged railings, worn-out road surfaces, and malfunctioning streetlights and surveillance systems, which require attention.
Experts from IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur have been approached to assist with the structural assessment. The technical teams have sought access to design drawings, construction details, and other technical documentation related to the project to support the evaluation process.
The Signature Bridge, inaugurated in 2018, spans the Yamuna River near Wazirabad and connects Outer Ring Road with northeastern parts of Delhi, including areas such as Bhajanpura and Karawal Nagar. Built at a cost of around ₹1,518 crore, the cable-stayed structure is considered one of the capital’s most prominent modern infrastructure landmarks and serves as a key traffic link for commuters travelling between northeast Delhi and other parts of the city.