The controversy surrounding Bhopal's infamous 90-degree overbridge has taken a fresh turn, with all seven engineers — suspended last year over the structurally flawed Ashbagh railway overbridge — reinstated and returned to duty. The decision, approved by Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Rakesh Singh, has ignited political and administrative debate across Madhya Pradesh, even as the departmental inquiry into the matter remains pending.

Background: The Bridge That Became a National Embarrassment

The Ashbagh railway overbridge, built at a cost of ₹18 crore, was completed in June 2025. However, before it could be inaugurated, photographs and videos of its striking 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing widespread ridicule and even international attention. Public safety concerns prompted authorities to shut the bridge immediately, before a single vehicle could cross it.

The unusual design exposed serious lapses in planning and oversight within the PWD. The structure has remained closed for nearly a year, causing continued inconvenience to commuters in Bhopal.

Engineers Suspended, Then Reinstated

In the wake of the controversy, the PWD suspended seven engineers and issued charge sheets. Among those suspended were two Chief Engineers. Engineers associated with the design wing denied any wrongdoing, and after reviewing their replies, the government opted to reinstate all seven without any punitive action. Following their reinstatement, the two Chief Engineers have been posted to the Engineer-in-Chief's office.

Notably, the departmental inquiry is still ongoing. Officials have stated that appropriate action will be taken once the inquiry concludes — a caveat that critics argue renders the reinstatement premature and raises questions about accountability.

Political and Administrative Fallout

The reinstatement has sparked sharp debate, with critics questioning the timing of the decision while the inquiry is still pending. The episode continues to highlight systemic lapses in infrastructure planning and quality oversight within the department. The government remains under pressure to demonstrate that the inquiry will yield credible outcomes rather than serve as procedural cover.

This is not an isolated incident — infrastructure controversies involving design failures and delayed accountability have repeatedly surfaced in Madhya Pradesh's public works sector in recent years.

Rectification Work on the Horizon

Meanwhile, the bridge itself is set for a redesign. After a 10-month standoff between the PWD and the Railways, a breakthrough was achieved in April during a high-level meeting. Approval has been granted to redesign the curvature of the structure, and technical modifications are expected to begin shortly.

Once rectification is complete, the Ashbagh overbridge will finally be opened for public use — ending months of disruption for commuters. Whether the inquiry will deliver meaningful accountability before that milestone remains the central question.