A new bridge project near Aishbagh Stadium in Bhopal, costing ₹18 crore (about $2.1 million), was built to connect Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, and the station area with New Bhopal.
However, it became controversial after photos went viral online showing a sharp 90-degree turn on the bridge. People made fun of the design and raised safety concerns.
After the public reaction, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered an immediate investigation. As a result, two top engineers and eight other Public Works Department (PWD) staff members were suspended.
The company that built the bridge and the consultant who designed it were also blacklisted. A retired senior engineer involved in the project is also being investigated.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said the sharp turn is dangerous and advised that vehicles should not go faster than 35–40 km/h on the curve to avoid accidents.
PWD officials defended the design, saying they had very little space to work with because a metro station is nearby. Chief Engineer VD Verma said there was no other option at the time. But now, the government plans to buy more land so the bridge can have a smoother and safer turn.
This “90-degree bridge” issue has exposed problems in how projects are planned and has led to political arguments and public demands for action.
The bridge will not be opened for use until all safety changes are made.
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