Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Bhopal Bridge: Inquiry into the 90-Degree Turn Design
Imagine a new bridge in Bhopal that turns at a sharp 90-degree angle, like a right-angle.
This unusual design is now being investigated.
The bridge was meant to make it faster for people to get around.
However, someone made a mistake during the planning.
The Public Works Department and the Indian Railways, who worked together on the bridge, are now arguing about who is responsible for the design issue.
A special team is looking into how the problem happened and who was involved.
They're also considering making the bridge safer, like adding speed bumps and special reflective strips to help drivers see better.
A newly built rail overbridge (ROB) in Bhopal has a 90-degree turn and is under investigation.
The bridge was designed to reduce traffic delays and shorten commutes for approximately three lakh people daily.
The PWD and Indian Railways are reportedly shifting blame for the design flaw.
A committee has been formed to investigate the roles of officials involved in the project's design and execution.
Safety measures such as speed breakers and reflective strips are being considered.
- Who
- The Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD), Indian Railways, and a private contractor.
- What
- Investigation into the unusual 90-degree turn design of a rail overbridge in Bhopal.
- When
- Ongoing, with a committee formed to assess the design and accountability.
- Where
- Bhopal, India, specifically the Aishbagh area.
- Why
- To determine the causes of the design flaw and assign accountability for the right-angle turn.
PWD's Perspective
Railways' Perspective
Responsibility for the Design Flaw
PWD's Perspective
The GAD was formulated with the help of railway officials and PWD officers. The final approval remained within the department of the Chief Engineer (Bridges), and the design did not escalate to higher authorities. A lack of communication was present.
Railways' Perspective
The Railways raised early concerns about the alignment. They had done their job and built their portion of the ROB as per the GAD.
- Location
- Aishbagh area, Bhopal, India
- Project Type
- Rail Overbridge (ROB)
- Cost
- Rs 18 crore
- Primary Parties Involved
- PWD and Indian Railways
- Purpose
- To eliminate railway crossing delays and shorten commutes
- Construction Contractor
- M/s Puneet Chadha
- Committee Formed By
- PWD Minister Rakesh Singh