A newly constructed railway overbridge near Aishbagh Stadium in Madhya Pradesh has become a topic of sharp criticism and public ridicule due to its unusual and abrupt 90-degree turn. Built at a cost of Rs 18 crore, the bridge has not yet been inaugurated but has already drawn scrutiny for its questionable design.
Concerns arose after it became apparent that vehicles would face difficulty manoeuvring the sharp bend, sparking safety fears and prompting backlash on social media. Critics questioned how such a design passed safety clearances and what implications it might have once traffic begins to flow.
Earlier, VD Verma, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (Bridge Division), said the unique alignment was unavoidable due to land constraints and the presence of a metro station nearby. “There was no other option available. The purpose is to provide connectivity between two important localities," he had said.
PWD Blames Land Constraints
State PWD Minister Rakesh Singh confirmed on Thursday that the unusual layout resulted from land constraints in the area. “A team from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) assessed the situation and concluded that the sharp turn was due to land unavailability,” Singh told PTI.
To address the issue, the department has now constituted a two-member panel of chief engineers to evaluate options. “The committee will consult all stakeholders, including the Railways, and recommend changes to ensure the turn is safe and efficient,” Singh added.
PWD officials believe the turn can be modified into a safer curve if some additional land is acquired. However, the Railways, which owns the adjoining land, said they haven’t yet received any formal communication from the department. “Once we receive a proposal, we will examine it,” Railways spokesperson Naval Agarwal stated.
The fate of the overbridge now hinges on the committee's recommendations and successful coordination with the Railways. Until then, the Rs 18 crore structure remains a cautionary tale in infrastructure planning.