Delhi’s iconic Signature Bridge to close temporarily after Diwali

It is likely that Delhi’s iconic Signature Bridge, which connects Wazirabad to East Delhi, will shut down after Diwali. As per the latest news reports, the commuters using that route might soon have to look for an alternative route after the festival, as the authorities are thinking of shutting it down every day for a few hours.

The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Department Corporation (DTTDC) will be using that the time to remove the machinery and crane, which are being used for the construction of observatory deck on top of the pylons.

Referring to this, a government official stated that the agency will require around 12 hours a day for at least 15 to 20 days to completely remove the tower crane, temporary ladder, and platforms from the construction site. And since the equipment is heavy and just above the road, any movement of traffic on the bridge will not be allowed when the work is on.
Sources also said that because lifts in the existing structure, i.e., inside the pylon, are too small, it might be risky to carry a load of tourists once the bridge is opened for public. Therefore, the high-speed lifts in another structure parallel and next to the pylons of the cable-stayed bridge will ensure that higher numbers of passengers are able to reach the four-storeyed observatory deck at a faster speed.

The bridge was opened in November last year, whereas the work on the four-storey observatory deck, which is to be built at the height of 154 m, started in June this year. The Delhi traffic police confirmed that a request had been received from the government agency, and has now being planned to close down the bridge after the festival for some hours.