Gurgaon: Setback in procuring steel has delayed the construction of three footbridges planned at the busy crossings in the city. The ongoing West Asia crisis has affected the supply process. While the original deadline of June has already been missed, the work has yet to move beyond the foundation stage at the sites. “The agency is facing an issue with procurement,” a GMDA official told TOI.The project — footbridges at Sheetla Mata Mandir, Sector 14 market and CD Chowk on Sohna Road — was awarded in Dec 2024 with an 18-month completion period. The footbridges were planned to improve pedestrian safety at busy crossings, but fabrication and installation of the main structures are yet to begin. The official said, “The foundation work and other requirements have been completed, but the steel required for fabrication and installation is awaited. The procurement setback had held up the next stage.”The delay has not only meant pedestrians have to cross the busy roads at grade at these locations, but has also added to the inconvenience of the nearby locals. “We have imposed liquidated damages on the agency for the delay and are reviewing the situation. The completion timeline will be revised once the required material is procured,” the official said.At Sheetla Mata Mandir, the project saw delays due to site-related issues. After multiple meetings involving the temple trust, GMDA, MCG and the district administration, the location of the FOB was shifted a few metres from the originally proposed site. On this road, the lack of a pedestrian crossing was evident during school hours, when children can be seen crossing the busy road amid moving traffic. The absence of a dedicated pedestrian crossing also forces commuters to slow down or stop for people crossing it, affecting traffic flow.Originally, GMDA had proposed four footbridges, including another one near Raheja Mall on Sohna Road, but National Highways Authority of India rejected the proposal, citing space constraints, high utility shifting costs and pedestrian safety concerns. Conceived in 2024, the initial tender for four footbridges was floated in June 2024 but was scrapped in July after bids were rejected during technical evaluation. The project was retendered in Aug and eventually awarded in Dec that year. Officials said the agency had earlier indicated that the procurement issue would be resolved by Aug. Once completed, the structure will be assembled at the sites, the official said.
