7 engineers suspended over Bhopal rail over bridge with unusual 90-degree turn

The decision follows widespread public criticism and ridicule over the impracticality of the structure.

According to a PTI report, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the action on social media late Saturday, stating, “I took cognisance of the serious negligence in the construction of Aishbagh ROB and ordered an inquiry. On the basis of the inquiry report, action has been taken against eight PWD engineers.”

He confirmed that while seven engineers were suspended with immediate effect, a departmental inquiry has been ordered against M P Singh, a retired superintendent engineer.

Among those suspended are chief engineers Sanjay Khande and G P Verma, in-charge executive engineers Javed Shakeel and Shabana Rajjaq, sub-divisional officer Ravi Shukla, sub-engineer Umashankar Mishra, and assistant engineer Shanul Saxena, according to PWD additional chief secretary Neeraj Mandloi, said the report.

The construction agency and the design consultant — M/s Puneet Chaddha and M/s Dynamic Consultant — have been blacklisted, and the state government has constituted a committee to suggest corrective measures.

“The ROB will be inaugurated only after improvements are made,” the chief minister said.

The overbridge, built at a cost of ₹18 crore, was intended to enhance connectivity between Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, and the station area with New Bhopal, benefiting an estimated three lakh people.

However, the unusual 90-degree bend drew sharp reactions from locals and netizens, many questioning how vehicles could safely navigate the turn.

Officials associated with the project have defended the design, citing land constraints and the proximity of a metro rail station as major factors.

They added that if a little additional land is made available, the sharp turn could be replaced with a smoother curve.

A committee was formed last week by the PWD to find a technical solution that ensures safe vehicular movement on the bridge.

The government’s swift action comes as part of its broader push to address urban infrastructure flaws and restore public confidence.