The 648-metre, 8.5-metre-wide road-over-bridge was built with an abrupt L-shaped, sharp ~90-degree (later measured at 118-119 degrees) turn, which went viral as "inherently dangerous." After massive public backlash, Indian Railways agreed to transfer extra land so PWD could re-profile the curve for a gentler turn, adding roughly 3 feet of carriageway width; the original construction agency and design consultant were blacklisted.
On record
The official record states: "Engineers initially defended the layout, citing space constraints near a metro station; after backlash, CM Mohan Yadav ordered a committee, suspended 7-8 engineers, blacklisted the contractor/consultant, and ordered fixes before inauguration."
Filed as "Under repeat repair — redesign ordered before opening; 7-8 engineers suspended" and dated to Started March 2023 (18-month deadline); still not open past 36+ months, this entry sits under the "₹18 crore" line of the public accounts.
What to expect
- A structure best photographed from a respectful distance.
- Warning boards whose advice was, at some point, overtaken by events.
- A view of the water that residents did not ask to have this closely.
- Contractor signage, still standing, credit unclear.
Sourcing
3 public sources — news reports, RTI replies and civic archives — corroborate this entry. The citation trail is listed below for anyone who would like to follow up with the department concerned.
“Awarded to the lowest bidder, and it shows, and it always was going to.”— Blunderlust Editorial Desk
Sources
- https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/bhopal-aishbagh-bridge-redesign-railways-clears-land-125061800833_1.html
- https://www.deccanherald.com/india/madhya-pradesh/bridge-with-90-degree-turn-mp-govt-takes-action-against-8-engineers-3607334
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/bhopals-90-degree-bridge-has-a-turn-of-118-119-degrees-expert-tells-hc/
Visitor reviews
“Stumbled on it while looking for somewhere to eat. Every visit, the only new thing is a fresh coat of paint on the hoarding.”
“Went in the early morning to beat the heat and the crowd that never came. The scale of the ambition is matched only by the scale of the pause.”
“Booked a whole afternoon and needed about fifteen minutes. It is the most honest thing in Bhopal, in its way.”
