Bhopal’s newly constructed Aishbagh Railway Overbridge (ROB) has come under intense scrutiny due to its unconventional 90-degree turn, raising significant safety concerns among commuters and urban planners alike. Spanning 648 metres and costing ₹18 crore, the bridge aims to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a direct route between Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, and New Bhopal.
However, the sharp right-angle turn at its peak has drawn widespread criticism for its potential to cause accidents, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the route. Experts have labelled the design as dangerously flawed, warning that the abrupt bend could become an accident hotspot. Retired PWD Chief Engineer V.K. Amar emphasised the need for a curved approach 100 metres before the turn to ensure driver safety. Minister Vishwas Sarang is scheduled to inspect the site on June 14 to assess the required corrections before its public opening.
The Public Works Department (PWD) and Indian Railways are engaged in a blame game over the design flaws. While the Railways flagged the issue during an inspection in April 2024, the PWD proceeded with construction, citing space constraints due to the proximity of a metro station. PWD officials argue that the Railways should have halted the project if they identified flaws, while the Railways maintain that they had raised red flags but continued their portion of the work due to the PWD’s inaction. Social media users have also expressed their concerns, with some describing the bridge as a “death trap” and urging authorities to reconsider its design.
The controversy has sparked a broader debate about urban planning, safety standards, and the accountability of public works departments. As the inspection date approaches, all eyes are on the authorities to determine whether the bridge will undergo redesigns to address safety issues or proceed as planned. The outcome will have significant implications for urban infrastructure projects across the country, highlighting the need for rigorous design reviews and inter-departmental coordination to ensure public safety.
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