Bhopal 90-degree overbridge row deepens as suspended engineers reinstated amid inquiry

The controversy over Bhopal’s 90-degree overbridge has intensified after seven suspended engineers were reinstated despite an ongoing inquiry. The Ashbagh bridge, criticised for its sharp turn, remains closed as rectification work awaits clearance following inter-departmental coordination with Railways.

Bhopal: The controversy surrounding the Bhopal 90-degree overbridge has taken a new turn with the reinstatement of all seven engineers who were suspended last year.

Among them are two Chief Engineers, and following their reinstatement, they have been posted to the Engineer-in-Chief’s office.

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The decision, approved by Public Works Department Minister Rakesh Singh, has stirred political and administrative discussions across Madhya Pradesh.

While the engineers have returned to duty, the departmental inquiry into the matter is still ongoing, and officials have stated that appropriate action will be taken once the inquiry is complete.

The Ashbagh railway overbridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 18 crore, was completed in June 2025. Preparations for its inauguration were underway when photographs and videos of the structure surfaced, revealing its sharp 90-degree turn.

Public safety concerns led to the immediate closure of the bridge before it could be opened to traffic. The unusual design quickly became a subject of ridicule on social media and even drew international attention, causing embarrassment to the government.

In response, the Public Works Department suspended seven engineers and issued charge sheets. Those associated with the design wing denied any wrongdoing, and after reviewing their replies, the government reinstated them without punitive action. The reinstatement has sparked debate, with critics questioning the timing of the decision while the inquiry is still pending.

The incident continues to highlight lapses in planning and oversight within the department, and the government remains under pressure to ensure accountability.

Meanwhile, the bridge itself, which has remained closed for nearly a year, is now set to undergo rectification. After 10 months of a standoff between the Public Works Department and the Railways, a breakthrough was achieved in April during a high-level meeting. Approval was granted to redesign the curvature of the bridge, and technical modifications will soon begin.

Once rectification work is completed, the bridge will finally be opened for public use, ending months of inconvenience for commuters in Bhopal.