The tender could go to Gammon India, which had been in the centre of the Metro pillar collapse controversy

The Delhi government's showpiece project, the Wazirabd Signature Bridge, is in the news again. The decision on the construction of the bridge will be taken within the next few days.
Highly placed sources in the government told MiD DAY there was a difference of around Rs 80 crore between the estimated cost and the figure quoted by the lowest bidder.


Model of Wazirabad Signature Bridge

"Therefore, the Delhi government is most likely to take a decision on the matter in the next cabinet meeting, which can take place anytime in the coming week," the source said.u00a0

A top official said the "infamous contractor" Gammon India is likely to bag the contract, as it is the lowest bidder. Meanwhile, PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan could not be contacted despite several attempts.

The tender for the project was opened on April 20, 2009. The consortium of Gammon India Pvt Ltd and an Italian firm - Gammon contrutora Cidacle Tensaccial - had reportedly bid the lowest at Rs 631.81 crore. While Larson and Toubro's consortium - L&T Archirodon - had reportedly quoted Rs 8 lakh more than Gammon consortium at Rs 638.62 crore.

Official sources said after the Jamrudpur mishap in 2009, in which six people were killed, the Delhi government had sought the Central Vigilance Commission's (CVC) view on whether to offer the contract to Gammon or L&T, due to the impending enquiry by Delhi Metro against the lowest bidder.

The total budget for the six-lane project stands at Rs 980 crore. The project will be executed in two parts; first

Bridging the gap

The Signature Bridge will connect NH-1 on the western bank of Yamuna to Wazirabad Road on its eastern bank. The superstructure will be nearly 175 meters tall, bow-shaped pylon with cables. It will have two subways, footpaths and cycle tracks, besides the bridge. There will be space for a dual, four-lane carriageway (14 m each) with a 1.2-metre-wide central verge; space for anchoring cables, maintenance walkway and crash barriers on either side of the central verge. The main span will be 251 m and the approach span on either side will be of 36 m. There is also provision for cloverleaves to cater to increased traffic volumes in future. How do you like the new new mid-day.com experience? Share your feedback and help us improve. Read Next Story 4 dead in BRT accident› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT