It's only a matter of time before the first accidental death is reported from the newly-inaugurated bridge
The Signature Bridge that was opened to public last week has become a selfie point where people from the city have turned into stunt men to get that perfect pose.
Fortunately for them, no lives have been lost yut, but given the level of risk involved in taking these selfies, it's only a matter of time when the police will register a case of accidental death at this zone.
Earlier, the much-awaited Signature Bridge on the Yamuna will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 4. The will be thrown open for public on November 5.
The bridge which will reduce the travel time between north and northeast Delhi. Being deemed as a tourist spot with the 154-meter-high glass box, the bridge will give a bird's-eye view of the city to visitors.
There will be four elevators with a total capacity of carrying 50 people which will be built to take the visitors to the top of the bridge for a panoramic view of the city. The elevators are likely to be operational in two months. It will also have designated selfie spots.
Announced in 2004, the bridge has missed several deadlines since 2011. The proposal for the bridge was mooted in 2004 but it received approval of the Delhi Cabinet in 2007. It was initially expected to be completed at a modified estimate of Rs 1,131 crore for the Commonwealth Games, held in Delhi in October 2010.
In 2015, the cost of the project rose to Rs 1,594 crore. Reportedly, the bridge was proposed for the first time as early as in 1997 at an initial cost of Rs 464 crore.
The bridge will share the burden of vehicular traffic currently borne by the Wazirabad bridge.
Ahead of the inauguration, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Delhi chief Manoj Tiwari attacked the Delhi government for wasting public money in the construction of this bridge. "Fifteen years and Rs 1500 crore was spent to build a 675-meter bridge. This is so shameful," Tiwari tweeted.
Replying to the state BJP chief's tweet, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said this bridge might be a shame for the BJP but is a proud moment for Delhi. He also invited Delhiites to turn up in huge number to see the bridge.
1. Landmark opening
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The much-awaited Signature Bridge on the Yamuna was inaugurated by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 4. The bridge was then thrown open for public on November 5. - BB Yadav/DNA Photo
2. Opening controversy
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During the inauguration, BJP president Manoj Tiwari and his supporters allegedly entered into a scuffle with AAP members and police at inaugural event of the newly-built Signature Bridge, which Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal termed as "unprecedented". - BB Yadav/DNA Photo
3. Designated selfie spots...
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The bridge has four elevators with a total capacity of carrying 50 people which will be built to take the visitors to the top of the bridge for a panoramic view of the city. The elevators are likely to be operational in two months. It will also have designated selfie spots. - BB Yadav/ DNA Photo
4. ... but selfie is where we stop, say shutterbugs
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Some enthusiastic Delhiites don't seem to care and decide to pose at random spots on the bridge - ANI/Twitter
5. Pose like a man
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More enthusiastic revellers strike a pose while hanging out of their vehicles while posing at Signature Bridge/ANI Twitter
6. Point to pose
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People stop at Signature Bridge in the national capital to strike a pose - ANI/Twitter
