Naidunia Correspondent, Bhopal | The country's much-talked-about Aishbagh 90-degree overbridge in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal has remained a victim of red-tapism rooted deeply in the government offices. Despite the bridge, which became an epitome of error engineering, drawing severe criticism a year ago, the officials failed to fix the issue, leaving people to face traffic jam woes.

Taxpayers' Rs 18 Crore Went In Vain?

Completed in June 2025 at a cost of approximately Rs 18 crore, the bridge remains closed even after a year. Surprisingly, PWD and Railway officials are now at loggerheads over a design that was agreed upon between the two departments three months ago. Due to these conflicting claims, crores of rupees of public money are being wasted, and people are forced to endure traffic jams.

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What Is Railways' Stand?

The Railways washed its hands off the matter and put the ball in the PWD's court. Railway Chief Project Manager Anupam Awasthi clearly states that the Railways has submitted the design to the Public Works Department (PWD) with all the necessary approvals. Furthermore, the biggest obstacle, the underground network of railway signalling wires, has also been removed. Now, the PWD simply needs to erect barricades and begin the repair work.

"We have submitted the design to the PWD with all the approvals. The signalling wires have also been removed. Now, the PWD needs to erect barricades and begin the work," said the Chief Project Manager, Railways.

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PWD's Strange Claim

On the other hand, the PWD's tone is completely different from the Railways. Gopal Singh, Chief Engineer of the PWD's Bridge Wing, claimed that the design was currently undergoing technical scrutiny. Once the design is approved, it will be sent to the Railways. Interestingly, the design was finalised in a meeting between the two departments on April 7.

"The design is still to be sent to the Railways. Technical vetting is underway. Once approved, it will be sent to the Railways," said the Chief Engineer, PWD (Bridge).

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Project Delayed As New Officer Taking Time To Study It

Sources suggested that the delay is due to an administrative reshuffle within the PWD. Chief Engineer Gopal Singh was recently transferred from the MPRDC to the PWD. It is alleged that the officer is currently busy understanding the department's paperwork, which is why new work isn't being initiated.

How Could Issue With Bridge Be Fixed?

To make the controversial 90-degree turn safer, the bridge will be widened by 2.5 meters to increase the turning radius. Residents have been waiting for the bridge, which has been ready since June 2025, to open, but PWD officials are unwilling to answer when the groundwork to fix the error will begin.

Aishbagh 90-Degree Overbridge At A Glance

Cost: Approximately ₹18 crore
Completion: June 2025 (closed since)
Improvements to be made: The bridge is to be widened by 2.5 meters and the turning radius increased.