Is the New Railway Overbridge in Bhopal a Safety Hazard?
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Synopsis
A newly constructed railway overbridge in Bhopal is stirring controversy due to its dangerous 90-degree turn. Critics, including Congress members and local residents, fear that this design flaw could result in serious accidents. Will the government address these safety concerns before its official opening?
Key Takeaways
- The railway overbridge cost Rs 18 crore.
- It features a hazardous 90-degree turn.
- Expected to serve three lakh commuters daily.
- Construction began in March 2023.
- Delays exceeded the initial 18-month timeline.
Bhopal, June 12 (NationPress) A recently built railway overbridge in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, costing Rs 18 crore, has come under fire prior to its official launch due to a sharp 90-degree turn in its design. Both Congress representatives and local residents have expressed their worries regarding the bridge's safety, indicating it could potentially result in serious accidents.
The overbridge, located near Aishbagh Stadium, is nearly prepared for public access. It links Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, and the station vicinity to New Bhopal. Officials claim the flyover will assist around three lakh commuters daily by alleviating traffic congestion and eliminating long waits at the Aishbagh railway crossing.
Abhinav Barolia, a spokesperson for Congress, stated: "This overbridge features a 90-degree turn. It resembles something from a video game, and it is highly dangerous. Minister Vishwas Sarang, who is also an engineer, inaugurated this bridge. Nevertheless, its construction raises significant doubts about the government's operational integrity."
Barolia further accused the bridge's design of being a product of inadequate planning or potential corruption.
"I’m uncertain if it was constructed hastily or by unqualified engineers, but it is a grave error,” he remarked.
Residents have echoed safety apprehensions. Nida Khan, a passerby, remarked, “As I walked by, I decided to take a look at the bridge. It has three sharp turns that are exceedingly hazardous. There’s a 100 percent chance accidents will occur here. The structure itself is fine, but the turns are detrimental. Accidents could easily happen with these sharp turns and lack of space.”
The bridge's construction began in March 2023 and was originally expected to be finished in 18 months. However, the project has now extended beyond 36 months due to multiple delays, such as the relocation of electrical lines and coordination issues between the Public Works Department and the Railways.
Even though this bridge aims to shorten travel time and reduce traffic in the Aishbagh area, its design flaws and construction delays have turned it into a matter of public concern.
Point of View
The construction of this railway overbridge in Bhopal highlights critical issues in infrastructure planning and safety standards. While intended to improve connectivity and alleviate congestion, the design flaws raise questions about the government's commitment to public safety and effective project management. As the bridge nears completion, it is imperative that authorities address these pressing concerns to ensure the well-being of commuters.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the railway overbridge?
The railway overbridge in Bhopal was constructed at a cost of Rs 18 crore.
What are the safety concerns regarding the bridge?
Critics have raised alarms about a 90-degree turn in the bridge's design, which they believe could lead to accidents.
How many commuters is the bridge expected to serve?
The bridge is anticipated to benefit nearly three lakh commuters daily.
What delays occurred during the bridge's construction?
The project faced delays due to issues such as the shifting of electrical lines and coordination between different governmental departments.
When was the construction of the bridge initiated?
Construction began in March 2023.
