In a decisive move, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has suspended seven Public Works Department (PWD) engineers due to the flawed design of a railway overbridge (ROB) in Bhopal’s Aishbagh area, featuring a hazardous 90-degree turn. This action follows widespread public outcry and viral social media posts highlighting the bridge’s impractical and risky design, which has sparked concerns about commuter safety.
A Controversial Design Sparks Nationwide Attention
The Aishbagh ROB, constructed at a cost of ₹18 crore, was intended to enhance connectivity between Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, and New Bhopal, benefiting approximately three lakh residents by reducing delays caused by railway crossings. However, the bridge’s sharp 90-degree turn has drawn sharp criticism from residents, commuters, and engineering experts, who labeled it accident-prone and poorly planned.
The unusual design, which forces vehicles to navigate an abrupt right-angle turn, went viral online, prompting ridicule and questions about how such a flaw was approved. Chief Minister Yadav responded swiftly, ordering an inquiry into the project’s design and construction process. The investigation revealed significant lapses, leading to immediate disciplinary action.
Engineers Suspended, Agencies Blacklisted
Following the probe, seven PWD engineers, including two chief engineers, Sanjay Khande and G P Verma, were suspended with immediate effect. Other suspended officials include Executive Engineers Javed Shakeel and Shabana Razzak (Design), Assistant Engineer Shanul Saxena (Design), Sub-Divisional Officer Ravi Shukla, and Sub-Engineer Umashankar Mishra. Additionally, a departmental inquiry has been initiated against a retired superintendent engineer, M P Singh, who was involved during the design approval phase.
The state government has also blacklisted the construction agency, M/s Puneet Chaddha, and the design consultant, M/s Dynamic Consultant, for their role in submitting the faulty design. “I took cognizance of the serious negligence in the construction of Aishbagh ROB and ordered an inquiry,” Chief Minister Yadav stated on X. “Based on the inquiry report, action has been taken against eight PWD engineers, and the responsible agencies have been blacklisted.”
Challenges in Design and Construction
The 648-meter Aishbagh ROB faced multiple challenges during its seven-year development. Disagreements between the PWD and Railways led to three design changes, with the final version incorporating the problematic 90-degree turn due to land constraints and the proximity of a metro rail station. PWD officials had previously argued that limited land availability left no alternative, but public and expert feedback underscored the design’s impracticality.
To address the issue, the PWD has formed a committee to propose corrective measures, such as removing the current railing and converting the sharp turn into a smoother curve by expanding the bridge’s width by approximately three feet. Chief Minister Yadav has assured that the ROB will not be inaugurated until these improvements ensure safe vehicular movement.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The Aishbagh ROB’s design flaws have fueled widespread debate, with netizens questioning how vehicles, especially larger ones, could safely navigate the sharp turn. Social media posts amplified these concerns, with many calling the bridge a “disaster waiting to happen.” The controversy has highlighted the need for stricter oversight in public infrastructure projects to prioritize safety and functionality.
Local residents, who anticipated the bridge would ease traffic congestion, expressed disappointment over the oversight. “This bridge was supposed to make our commutes easier, but the design makes no sense. How can anyone drive through a 90-degree turn safely?” said Anil Sharma, a Bhopal resident.
Commitment to Accountability and Safety
Chief Minister Yadav’s swift response underscores the Madhya Pradesh government’s commitment to accountability and public safety. By suspending the responsible engineers, blacklisting the involved agencies, and forming a committee to rectify the design, the state aims to restore public confidence in infrastructure development.
The incident has also sparked broader discussions about the need for rigorous quality checks and public consultation in urban planning projects. As Bhopal awaits the redesigned ROB, the focus remains on ensuring that future infrastructure prioritizes commuter safety and practical design.
What’s Next for the Aishbagh ROB?
The PWD’s committee is actively working on solutions to make the Aishbagh ROB safe for public use. With additional land acquisition proposed to facilitate a smoother curve, the government is determined to address the design flaws before the bridge’s inauguration. Chief Minister Yadav has emphasized that no compromises will be made on safety, stating, “The ROB will be inaugurated only after improvements are made.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of meticulous planning and oversight in public infrastructure projects. As Bhopal looks forward to a safer and more efficient Aishbagh ROB, the actions taken by the Madhya Pradesh government set a precedent for addressing engineering lapses promptly and transparently.
Stay tuned for updates on the Aishbagh ROB redesign and other Madhya Pradesh infrastructure developments.