In a major embarrassment for local authorities, the Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday ordered the closure of Ajmer’s recently inaugurated ₹243 crore flyover, citing safety concerns and procedural lapses. The six-lane bridge, which was opened with great fanfare just days ago, is now at the center of controversy, with allegations of poor construction, lack of approvals, and political expediency casting a shadow over the project.
The Ajmer flyover, touted as a major infrastructure milestone and designed to decongest traffic in the heart of the city, was inaugurated barely a week ago. However, multiple public interest litigations (PILs) filed by local residents and social activists prompted the Rajasthan High Court to intervene.
In its ruling, the court observed that there were “serious structural and procedural deficiencies” in the planning and execution of the project. According to court documents, necessary clearances from environmental and urban planning bodies were either bypassed or not adequately documented, raising concerns over the legality of the construction.
The court also took note of technical audits that had flagged issues such as improper drainage systems, poor quality control of construction materials, and incomplete safety assessments. “Public safety cannot be compromised in the name of development,” the bench stated, adding that reopening the bridge will be contingent upon a comprehensive structural audit by an independent authority.
The ruling has triggered political blame games between the ruling state government and opposition parties. Critics have accused the administration of “rushing the inauguration” for electoral gains, despite knowing that the project had not met all regulatory requirements. The bridge was inaugurated by senior ministers from the Rajasthan government, with significant media coverage celebrating it as a transformative project for the city.
On the other hand, the Public Works Department (PWD) and project contractors have defended the construction quality. In an official statement, PWD officials claimed that the flyover was “technically sound and ready for public use”, and that all procedures were followed in accordance with state guidelines. However, they added that they would fully cooperate with the court’s directives and the upcoming independent inspection.
Residents and commuters have expressed disappointment, as the flyover was expected to ease traffic congestion on National Highway 58 and improve connectivity to key parts of Ajmer, including the railway station and the historic Dargah Sharif.
Conclusion:
