In a shocking infrastructure failure, a recently constructed overbridge in Bhopal worth ₹40 crore has tilted nearly 90 degrees, causing major concerns over public safety and engineering negligence. The incident, which occurred just weeks after the overbridge’s construction was completed, has not only disrupted traffic flow but also ignited a firestorm of criticism directed at the responsible authorities.
The overbridge, located in Bhopal’s Ayodhya Bypass area, was built as part of a larger urban infrastructure upgrade project aimed at reducing congestion and easing vehicular movement in one of the city’s busiest junctions. However, what was expected to improve traffic conditions has now become a serious hazard for thousands of daily commuters.
Eyewitnesses and locals report that the ramp of the bridge suddenly twisted, making a sharp 90-degree turn that rendered it inaccessible to vehicles. Videos and photos of the structural distortion have gone viral on social media, amplifying public outrage and forcing authorities to respond urgently.
Experts and engineers have expressed disbelief at the scale of the defect, suggesting a combination of poor design, substandard materials, and inadequate supervision. Civil engineering professionals have raised red flags over the possibility of similar faults in other projects executed by the same contractor. “This is not a minor crack or a slope miscalculation—this is a fundamental failure of structural integrity,” said one independent structural engineer who reviewed the visuals.
Local commuters are now at risk, as the bridge’s current state increases the likelihood of accidents, especially during night hours and the monsoon season. Traffic police have cordoned off the affected section, diverting vehicles through narrow service lanes that are now experiencing severe bottlenecks.
The Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) has launched an inquiry into the matter. Preliminary reports indicate possible lapses in soil testing and foundation work, though a detailed structural audit is awaited. Meanwhile, political leaders and civic groups have demanded a high-level investigation and punitive action against those involved in the project’s execution.
Urban planning and infrastructure experts have emphasized the need for stringent quality control mechanisms and third-party audits in large-scale public construction works. “Public safety cannot be compromised in the name of rapid urban development. Accountability must be ensured at every stage,” said a member of the Indian Institute of Architects.
