Army hands over reconstructed footbridge for Commonwealth Games

New Delhi, Oct. 1 (ANI): The Army handed over the reconstructed Bailey bridge to authorities in Delhi on Friday.

"The reconstruction of 260 feet Bailey bridge at this location commenced on September 25 in the afternoon. Hundreds of boys of my regiment worked on this bridge over the past five days," said Dinesh Khanna, Commanding Officer of the Madras Engineers Regiment.

"The bridge stands completed. It has been evaluated for safety by our technical board, and is declared fit and safe for pedestrians and traffic," he added.

Khanna said the delivery of the bridge came as promised to the state authority - within five days of the Army taking charge of the collapsed bridge.

He added that the bridge was now safe and easily usable for pedestrians and tourists, who would be visiting Commonwealth Games 2010 venues.

The footbridge opposite Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapsed last Tuesday, injuring 23 labourers.

Apart from around 7,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states, New Delhi is expecting a huge inflow of sports enthusiasts and tourists during the games.

The Commonwealth Games 2010 will be held from October 3 to 14 in New Delhi. (ANI)