MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA: The Madhya Pradesh government on 29 June 2025 suspended seven engineers, including two chief engineers of the Public Works Department (PWD), over the controversial design of a new rail over-bridge (ROB) in the Aishbagh area of Bhopal.
The ROB had become a subject of ridicule after images showing a sharp near 90-degree turn at its end went viral on social media, prompting widespread public concern over road safety.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the suspensions on X late in the evening, citing serious negligence in the project’s design and execution.
“I took cognisance of the serious negligence in the construction of Aishbagh ROB and ordered an inquiry. On the basis of the inquiry report, action has been taken against eight PWD engineers,” Yadav stated.
Seven engineers were suspended with immediate effect. In addition, a departmental inquiry has been ordered against retired superintendent engineer M P Singh, according to the chief minister.
The engineers named in the action include chief engineers Sanjay Khande and G P Verma, in-charge executive engineers Javed Shakeel and Shabana Rajjaq, in-charge sub-divisional officer Ravi Shukla, sub-engineer Umashankar Mishra, and assistant engineer Shanul Saxena.
PWD additional chief secretary Neeraj Mandloi confirmed that the government also blacklisted architect firm M/s Puneet Chaddha and design consultant M/s Dynamic Consultant.
The ROB was constructed at a cost of Rs 18 crore to improve connectivity between Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, and the station area with New Bhopal. It was expected to benefit approximately 300,000 residents.
However, the bridge’s design quickly drew public ire, with residents and road safety experts questioning how vehicles could safely navigate the abrupt turn.
Yadav, in his statement on X, emphasised that his government is both “sensitive and strict,” adding, “On the basis of the ROB report, we have taken strict action and sent a clear message to officials to work with complete efficiency. Our government will not spare anyone for errors or negligence.”
हमारी सरकार संवेदनशील भी है और सख़्त भी…
बीते दिन आई आरओबी रिपोर्ट के आधार पर हमने कड़ी कार्रवाई की है, साथ ही अधिकारियों को स्पष्ट संदेश दिया है कि अपनी पूर्ण दक्षता से कार्य करे; किसी त्रुटि या लापरवाही पर हमारी सरकार किसी को नहीं छोड़ेगी। जो अधिकारी, कर्मचारी बेहतर कार्य… pic.twitter.com/Elws5MZUrJ
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) June 29, 2025
He further stated that officials who perform well will be rewarded, and reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of the poor.
According to officials, the unusual design was a result of land constraints and the nearby metro rail station. They argued that if additional land were available, the sharp turn could be replaced with a more gradual curve to improve safety.
Last week, the PWD formed a committee to examine solutions that would ensure safe vehicular movement on the bridge. Yadav confirmed that the ROB will only be inaugurated after these improvements are implemented.
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