Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], June 12: A newly constructed railway overbridge in Bhopal’s Aishbagh area, built after a nearly decade-long wait, has stirred public outcry and political controversy due to its alarming 90-degree sharp turn design.
The 648-meter-long and 8-meter-wide overbridge, built at a cost of ₹18 crore, is under fire for posing serious risks to commuters. Critics argue that the sharp turns make it an accident-prone zone and demand immediate action.
Opposition Congress has slammed the ruling BJP government over the flawed design. Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Jitu Patwari told, “How did the department approve such a design? The government must act before this becomes a death trap. The people behind this dangerous layout must be held accountable. Public money has been squandered.”
Patwari also noted that railway officials had raised red flags during construction, but their objections were ignored. “Railway officials also share responsibility for not stopping this,” he added.
State PWD Minister Rakesh Singh responded to the criticism, saying the project’s design was finalized five years ago. “The NHAI inspected the bridge yesterday, and we expect their report today. We will act based on the findings,” Singh said.
Sources indicate that while the Indian Railways initially objected to the bridge’s design, the PWD reportedly dismissed the concerns citing lack of space. The incident is now being seen as a case of bureaucratic negligence, with the bridge drawing widespread attention for its potentially dangerous design.