NewKerala.com

Key Points

A newly constructed railway overbridge in Bhopal with a dangerous 90-degree turn has triggered a political storm. The Congress accuses the BJP government of endangering lives with flawed design, while PWD insists the Rs 18 crore project followed NHAI protocols. Railways had reportedly objected earlier, but space constraints led to the current configuration. With an NHAI report pending, both sides await clarity on accountability.

Key Points: Bhopal's 90-Degree Turn Railway Overbridge Sparks Congress-BJP Row

  • Congress questions safety of Bhopal’s sharp-turn railway bridge
  • PWD claims NHAI-approved design amid Rs 18 crore spend
  • Railways had flagged design flaws but PWD cited space crunch
  • Minister Rakesh Singh awaits NHAI report for next steps
2 min read

MP: Railway over bridge with around 90 degree turn design in Bhopal sparks row, opposition questions

Congress slams BJP over Bhopal’s accident-prone 90-degree turn railway bridge as PWD defends Rs 18 crore project amid NHAI probe.

"How did PWD accept this design? The government should wake up before it becomes a death ground. – Jitu Patwari, MP Congress Chief"

Bhopal, June 12

A railway over bridge constructed nearly after a decade-long wait in Aishbagh locality in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal has hit the headlines and sparked a controversy due to its design having around 90 degrees sharp turn.

The Opposition Congress party raised questions on the design of the overbridge saying the government should wake up before it becomes a ground of death. The bridge design is such that vehicles will have to take almost 90 degree sharp turns, resulting in the bridge being seen as an accident point.

The Railway Overbridge is about 648 meters long and 8 meters wide. It has been built at a cost of Rs 18 crore. Nonetheless, state PWD (Public Works Department) minister Rakesh Singh said it was a five years old project and its design was already prepared though it was inspected by NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) and further action would be initiated based on the report.

Speaking to ANI, MP Congress Chief Jitu Patwari, "How did the department (PWD) accept this kind of design? There is a BJP government in the state and their real thinking and mind can be understood. Still, the government should wake up and punish the people who created such a design with the public's hard-earned money. The government should get up before it becomes a death ground."

"Railway officials raised objections over the design but the railway officials have not stopped them (PWD). They are equally responsible for this mistake," he added.

Meanwhile, state PWD Minister Rakesh Singh said that the NHAI inspected the bridge on Wednesday and its report was likely to arrive today. Action into the matter will be taken based on it.

"It is a 5 year old project and its drawing design was already prepared. Though NHAI inspected it yesterday and its report will arrive today. Further action will be taken based on the report," the minister told ANI.

According to the information, it is being said that at the time of construction, the railways had raised objections to the design, but the PWD ignored it citing lack of space. This bridge construction is being considered as the negligence of the PWD.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is pure negligence! ₹18 crore of taxpayer money wasted on such poor planning. The PWD should be held accountable - how can they ignore railway officials' objections? Safety should be top priority, not just completing projects for show. 😠
P
Priya M.
As someone who drives daily in Bhopal, this is terrifying! 90-degree turns on a bridge? This will definitely cause accidents. Why can't our infrastructure projects be properly planned? First potholes, now death traps - when will we get good roads?
A
Amit S.
While the design is questionable, let's wait for NHAI's report before jumping to conclusions. Maybe there were genuine space constraints. But if found faulty, strict action must be taken against those responsible. Our infrastructure can't compromise on safety.
S
Sunita R.
Typical Indian jugaad mentality! Instead of proper solutions, we get dangerous shortcuts. My brother is a civil engineer and says this design violates basic principles. Hope no lives are lost before they fix this. 🙏
V
Vikram J.
Why is everything politicized? The Congress is right to question but this "BJP mindset" comment was unnecessary. Bad infrastructure happens under all governments. Let's focus on fixing the bridge rather than scoring political points.
N
Neha P.
Waited 10 years for this bridge and this is what we get? So disappointing! They should install warning signs and speed breakers immediately until proper modifications are made. Safety can't wait for bureaucratic processes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50