The Signature Bridge stands tall, crossing the Yamuna river at Wazirabad, New Delhi, with its distinctive “Namaste” shape, a nod to the Indian culture of reverence. Unlike conventional bridges, it breaks the mold as India’s first asymmetric steel cable-stayed bridge, showcasing innovation in its design.
Surpassing the Qutab Minar in height, the Signature Bridge is a colossal structure with a main span of 251 meters and an overall length of 575 meters. Its steel and concrete composite deck, featuring a dual carriageway with four lanes, spans a width of 14 meters, making it a significant addition to the New Delhi skyline.
Connecting Wazirabad to East Delhi, the Signature Bridge aims to streamline travel between north and northeast Delhi, reducing overall travel time.
Delving into the foundation details, the rock bed below the bridge posed a complex challenge with its varying profile. Employing open and well foundations, the primary support for the bridge pylon comprised two large circular open foundations, each with a diameter of 23 meters. Specialized approaches, including sheet pile cofferdams and well foundation construction, were implemented for stability.
The construction materials played a pivotal role in the Signature Bridge’s robustness. Structural steel grades S355J2 and S355NL, along with concrete grades ranging from M-40 to M-60, formed the backbone of this engineering marvel.
The Signature Bridge’s superstructure unfolds in two main components: the towering pylon and the composite deck.
Fabricating the pylon presented logistical challenges, prompting a shift from oversized segments to transportable sub-panels. Rigorous quality checks, including non-destructive testing techniques, ensured the integrity of the components.
Erecting the asymmetrical cable-stayed structure demanded meticulous planning. Specially designed supports, tie-down setups, and a 1250-ton crawler crane played key roles in the pylon’s elevation. Meanwhile, the deck’s construction utilized a Goliath gantry over a temporary open-braced framework.
Originally estimated at INR 464 crores in 2005, the project’s cost soared to INR 1575 crores by 2015. Delays in construction, attributed to design modifications and contractual issues, extended the project timeline, missing deadlines set for the Commonwealth Games and subsequent dates.
Gammon India faced setbacks, culminating in the cancellation of its contract due to concerns arising from its involvement in other projects and a major accident during the Delhi metro construction.
Environmental clearances, initially deemed unnecessary, became a stumbling block in 2014 when the National Green Tribunal mandated an environmental impact assessment, causing further delays.
Issues with the Chinese supplier, Jiangsu Zhongtai Bridge Steel Structure Co., Ltd, led to delays in receiving steel components, sparking concerns over quality and legal obligations.
Public support waned as delays persisted, prompting legal action and the formation of committees to scrutinize the project. Increased scrutiny led to prolonged construction timelines.
In essence, the Signature Bridge, while symbolizing cultural respect, faced a labyrinth of challenges during its journey from design to construction, embodying a testament to perseverance in the face of adversities.