Bhopal: The much-discussed Aishbagh railway overbridge (ROB) in Bhopal, which went viral on social media for allegedly having a “90-degree turn,” has now been clarified to have a curve of 118–119 degrees, according to a technical expert report submitted to the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The assessment was carried out by a professor from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), who was appointed by the court to provide an independent review.
The ₹18-crore bridge project was initiated in 2021–22 and constructed under the Public Works Department (PWD). Official records show that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) was later revised in 2023–24. The contractor, M/s Puneet Chadha, has claimed the work was carried out strictly under government supervision.
Public criticism and viral images had described the bend as dangerously sharp, leading the state government to suspend four senior PWD engineers and blacklist the contractor earlier this year.
Following the expert’s submission, the state has now sought additional time from the court to reconsider its blacklisting order. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for September 17.
Implications
- The report underscores the gap between viral social media narratives and technical realities, highlighting the importance of scientific measurement in public debates.
- If the curve is indeed 118–119°, the decision to blacklist the contractor and suspend engineers may require reassessment.
- The case raises larger questions of transparency in design approvals, revisions to government drawings, and accountability in major public works projects.
- The High Court’s upcoming review will focus on technical documents, design drawings, and whether construction standards were adhered to in both planning and execution.
