After dangerous selfies and multiple accidents on Delhi’s newly built Signature Bridge, it is now the turn of thieves who have started lifting nuts and bolts from the iconic bridge thus endangering the very structure of the bridge that hinges on nuts and bolts.
“Thieves are emboldened since there are no CCTV cameras on the bridge. To make matter even worse is the absence of security guards that has given an unbridled run to these enterprising thieves. Though construction is still going to finish the incomplete work, anti-social elements are having a field day especially during nights,” said an official on the condition of anonymity.
According to Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) engineers, on Monday they found 12 nuts and bolts installed at the bridge which connect the pylon with the surface missing.
Talking to The Pioneer, an engineer at the site said now they are left with only one choice that is to weld the whole section to avoid such theft incidents in the future.
“These parts were not missing earlier, this is an extremely shocking act. If the sufficient numbers of bolts are removed, this seemingly simple act of vandalism can become a safety hazard which can risk lives of people. We will find a solution with stronger welding or by deploying guards,” said the DTTDC official adding that he had written a letter to authorities to install CCTV camera at the bridge.
The work is still pending on upper segments where the viewing gallery will be built, hence the DTTDC has not yet handed over the bridge to the Public Works department (PWD). The DTTDC has planned to close down the bridge from 11 pm to 5 am for completing the unfinished work. The vandalism at the Delhi’s Signature Bridge is not new as recently a few transgenders were seen stripping in public and posing for photos which had resulted in unruly scenes at the spot.
After a chain of accidents were reported at the Signature Bridge in Wazirabad, the Delhi Police has deployed 12 traffic police personnel from 8 am to 8 pm at the bridge and its approaching road from Khajuri side in the national Capital.
“There is no complaint by DTTDC officials. We on daily basis do ‘Integrated Checking’ where local police personnel, traffic police and a PCR man are deputed on a picket to keep a check on any mischievous activity. Our pickets are organised at the end of the bridge and we avoid pickets at peak hours time for smooth traffic flow,” said a senior police official.
The Signature Bridge inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 4 is a cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge which spans the Yamuna River at Wazirabad section, connecting Wazirabad to East Delhi. It is India’s first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge. The pylon of the Signature Bridge is the tallest structure in Delhi and is double the height of Qutub Minar with its 154-metre high viewing box, which acts as selfie points for visitors. It shortens the travel time between north and northeast Delhi.
