Tourism Minister writes to Chief Secy over Signature Bridge delay

In bid to expedite construction of the long-pending Signature Bridge Project, newly-appointed Delhi Tourism Minister Rajender Pal Gautam wrote to the Chief Secretary over escalated estimated cost in the construction of the bridge. The contractor has demanded around Rs 250 crores more and eight more months for its completion.

The highly ambitious Rs 1,500 crore-project is running seven years behind schedule and has hit yet another roadblock with a "fund crunch" slowing down its construction.

Located in Wazirabad, the Bridge – termed a "white elephant" by the AAP government – was conceptualised by the Sheila Dikshit government in 2004 and is being executed by the Delhi Tourism Department.

Being built on the lines of the London Bridge, it was meant to be showcased during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The initial project cost was pegged at around Rs 1,131 crore, which was later revised to Rs 1,575 crore.

"I made it clear that there will not be any further revision of deadline. However, I will look into their demand for more funds and consult experts to see whether it is justified or not. Work has slowed down but I have written to the Chief Secretary for things to be expedited," said Gautam.