The Madhya Pradesh government has taken strong action against those responsible for the design of a new Rail Over Bridge (ROB) in Bhopal's Aishbagh area, which features an unusual and potentially dangerous 90-degree turn. Seven engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD), including two chief engineers, have been suspended with immediate effect. A departmental inquiry has also been ordered against a retired superintendent engineer who was involved in the project.
The decision to suspend the engineers and initiate the inquiry came after public outcry and criticism of the bridge's design. Local residents and online commentators questioned how vehicles would safely navigate the sharp 90-degree turn. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav addressed the issue, stating that he took "cognizance of the serious negligence in the construction of Aishbagh ROB" and ordered an inquiry. The action was taken based on the inquiry report.
In addition to the suspensions and inquiry, the government has blacklisted the construction agency and the design consultant involved in the project. A committee has been formed to make necessary improvements to the ROB, and the bridge will not be inaugurated until these improvements are completed.
The engineers who have been suspended are chief engineers Sanjay Khande and G P Verma, in-charge executive engineer Javed Shakeel, in-charge sub-divisional officer Ravi Shukla, sub-engineer Umashankar Mishra, assistant engineer Shanul Saxena, and in-charge executive engineer Shabana Rajjaq. The retired superintendent engineer under investigation is M P Singh. The blacklisted architect firm is M/s Puneet Chaddha, and the design consultant is M/s Dynamic Consultant.
The ROB was constructed at a cost of Rs 18 crore to improve connectivity between Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, the station area, and New Bhopal, with the aim of benefiting approximately three lakh people. Despite the criticism, officials initially defended the design, claiming that limited land availability and the presence of a metro rail station nearby left them with no other option. V.D. Verma, Chief Engineer, had stated that "Due to the lack of land, there was no other option".
However, mounting public pressure and a detailed report by India Today led to the Chief Minister ordering an inquiry, which revealed gross negligence in the planning and execution of the project. Corrective measures are expected to involve removing the current railing at the 90-degree turn and converting it into a broader curve, potentially increasing the bridge width by approximately three feet.