Bhopal’s 90-Degree Bridge Sparks Action: 7 Engineers Suspended, Firms Blacklisted

In a major fallout over the controversial 90-degree turn on Bhopal’s Ashbagh railway overbridge (ROB), Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has suspended seven engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) and blacklisted the project’s design consultant and construction agency.

An official inquiry found serious flaws in the planning and execution of the bridge, leading to immediate suspension of seven engineers — including two Chief Engineers. Departmental proceedings have also been launched against a retired Superintendent Engineer.

Taking to social media, CM Yadav said, “I have taken cognisance of the serious lapses in the construction of the Ashbagh ROB… A committee has also been formed to carry out necessary corrections. The bridge will only be inaugurated after these improvements are made.”

The bridge was designed to ease congestion in the Ashbagh area but sparked public anger due to its abrupt 90-degree turn, which raised safety concerns. Initially, officials defended the design, blaming limited land near a metro station for the sharp turn.

However, following mounting public pressure and media coverage, the state government ordered a detailed probe, which revealed gross negligence.

PWD sources say changes are now planned to modify the sharp turn into a broader curve, increasing the bridge’s width by around three feet.