Indias Bhopal Bridge Construction Faces Backlash for 90-Degree Turn Due to Space Constraints

In the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, an overpass featuring a sharp turn, which from certain angles appears to form nearly a 90-degree angle, has been constructed. Architects and engineers explained that this design was necessitated by a lack of available space. As a result, the project’s engineering team has been suspended from their duties, and the contractor is currently under investigation.

The overpass, which cost 180 million rupees (approximately 165 million rubles), was recently built in the Aishbagh area of Bhopal. It was intended to enhance connectivity between Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, and the station area with New Bhopal, benefiting around 300,000 residents.

“I have noted the significant negligence in the construction of the Aishbagh overpass and have ordered an inquiry. Based on the investigation report, action has been taken against eight engineers from the public works department,” stated the Chief Minister of the state, Mohan Yadav, to the media.

According to the state’s administration, seven engineers, including two chief engineers, were immediately suspended from their positions. An internal investigation will also be conducted regarding the supervising engineer.

The minister indicated that the construction company and design consultant for this project have been blacklisted. A committee has been established to recommend necessary improvements to the overpass’s design. The minister also emphasized that the overpass will only be opened after these enhancements are made; under current conditions, it will not operate even with traffic restrictions.

Media reports revealed that engineers claimed they had no option but to construct the bridge in this manner due to limited land availability and the presence of a nearby metro station. According to experts, if the designers had a bit more land to work with, the resulting sharp turn could have been redesigned into a gentler curve.

Interestingly, just below the new construction, there is another bridge where traffic also presents significant challenges.