BHOPAL, MADHYA PRADESH – The long-standing controversy surrounding the Ashbagh Railway Overbridge (ROB) in Bhopal has taken a fresh administrative turn. In a significant decision on May 9, 2026, the Madhya Pradesh government reinstated all seven engineers who were suspended last year following a public outcry over the bridge’s unusual design—a sharp, nearly 90-degree turn that critics labeled a “death trap.”
While the reinstatement marks a shift in the administrative handling of the case, the government has clarified that the departmental inquiry into the structural and procedural lapses remains active.
The Genesis of the 90-Degree Mystery
The Ashbagh overbridge, an 18-crore project stretching approximately 648 meters, was designed to alleviate traffic congestion near the Ashbagh Stadium. However, upon its near-completion in mid-2025, images of the structure went viral on social media, showing a startlingly sharp bend.
Experts initially pointed out that the turning radius was approximately six meters, significantly lower than the recommended safety standards for heavy traffic. Later reports presented to the High Court suggested the turn was even sharper, estimated between 118 and 119 degrees at certain points.
Reasons cited for the design included:
- Land Constraints: Narrow corridors in the old city area.
- Infrastructure Conflicts: Proximity to a planned metro station and existing railway lines.
- Technical Justification: PWD officials initially defended the design, claiming it met technical requirements despite its visual peculiarity.
Reinstatement Amidst Ongoing Inquiry
The suspension of the seven engineers in June 2025 was seen as a swift move by the state leadership to show accountability. Those suspended included senior figures, such as two Chief Engineers.
According to the latest orders from the Engineer-in-Chief’s office, the engineers have been posted to the central headquarters. However, the departmental probe continues for:
- GP Verma (Then-in-charge Chief Engineer, PWD Bridge Division)
- Ravi Shukla (Then-SDO)
- Umashankar Mishra (Sub-Engineer)
The investigation focuses on technical facts, document verification, and recorded statements to determine if there was criminal negligence or if the design was an unavoidable consequence of local geography.
The Current Status of the Bridge
The Ashbagh bridge remains closed to the general public. While the structure stands physically complete, rectification work is currently in a state of “inter-departmental coordination.”
Experts from a government-appointed committee recommended increasing the turning radius from six meters to 10.7 meters to ensure the safety of commuters. Implementing this change requires significant structural modifications and clearance from the Railways, as the bridge spans active tracks.
Political and Social Reaction
The decision to reinstate the engineers has drawn mixed reactions. Local opposition leaders have criticized the move, calling it a “U-turn” and questioning if public safety is being compromised to protect administrative officials.
On the other hand, engineering associations have maintained that suspension should not be a permanent penalty while an inquiry is active, arguing that the complexities of urban planning often force difficult design choices.
Future Outlook: Safety vs. Utility
The Bhopal overbridge case serves as a cautionary tale for urban infrastructure projects. It highlights the friction between the urgent need for traffic solutions and the stringent requirements of engineering safety.
As the state government moves forward with the inquiry, the primary concern for the residents of Bhopal remains unchanged: When will the bridge be safe to cross? The focus now shifts to the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Railways to finalize a rectification plan that turns this “90-degree mystery” into a functional asset for the city’s commuters.
