Bhopal 90-degree bridge controversy case:PWD minister orders reinstatement of engineers after prolonged suspension

All seven engineers suspended in connection with Bhopal’s controversial 90-degree angle railway overbridge case, which had drawn nationwide criticism and embarrassed the Madhya Pradesh government, have now been reinstated. The reinstated officials include two Chief Engineers. Notably, PWD Minister Rakesh Singh also recorded his remarks on the reinstatement file. The note reportedly stated, “They have remained under suspension since June 23, 2025, reinstate them.” Earlier, after their suspension, both former in-charge Chief Engineers had been attached to the ENC office, while the remaining engineers were posted to field offices in Bhopal. Following the reinstatement order, all the engineers will now be attached to the ENC office. Engineers reinstated after replies to charge sheets reviewed According to departmental sources, charge sheets had earlier been issued to all seven suspended engineers in connection with the Bhopal railway overbridge controversy. All the officials subsequently submitted their responses to the department. Sources said engineers associated with the design wing did not admit to any negligence or error in their replies. After reviewing their explanations, the department decided to reinstate all seven engineers without initiating further action against them. Drone view of the 90-degree angle bridge… These engineers were suspended Departmental inquiry will continue for 4-5 months Following the order for a departmental inquiry, an inquiry officer will now be appointed to examine statements, evidence and responses submitted in the case. Officials said the process may take around four to five months to complete. The reinstatement order also clarified that departmental proceedings will continue against then Chief Engineer in-charge GP Verma, then SDO Ravi Shukla and then Assistant Engineer Umashankar Mishra of the PWD Bridge Division. No departmental inquiry will be conducted against the remaining officials who were reinstated in the case. Re-designed again in collaboration with Railways The sharply angled turning section of the railway overbridge constructed in Aishbagh, Bhopal is currently being redesigned and reconstructed following controversy over its 90-degree turn. The PWD is preparing a revised design in coordination with the Railways. However, work on the reconstruction has not yet started. Due to the delay, thousands of commuters using the route continue to face inconvenience on a daily basis. PWD Minister had ordered NHAI probe into controversial bridge After the controversy surfaced, PWD Minister Rakesh Singh had ordered an investigation by the National Highways Authority of India into the design and construction of the bridge. Following the inspection, NHAI submitted its report, which reportedly advised that vehicles should not be driven on the bridge at speeds above 35-40 kmph. The report warned that higher speeds could increase the risk of accidents on the sharply curved section of the overbridge. Memes were also made on social media The controversial railway overbridge constructed in Bhopal became the subject of widespread discussion and memes on social media after images of its sharp 90-degree turn surfaced online. Many users questioned how vehicles would safely negotiate such a turn, raising concerns that motorists could either crash into the bridge walls or collide with oncoming vehicles while navigating the curve. Need for bridge due to crossing closure During the construction phase itself, the Railways had reportedly raised objections to the 90-degree turn in the design of the overbridge. However, PWD engineers had defended the alignment, citing severe space constraints at the location and claiming there was no viable alternative available. Officials had argued that after the closure of the Aishbagh railway crossing, construction of the ROB had become essential for traffic movement in the area. According to them, the bridge had to be developed within the limited space available at the site. Was to be completed in 18 months Construction of the overbridge began in May 2022 and was scheduled to be completed within 18 months. However, the project remains incomplete even now. The total cost of the bridge project is around ₹18 crore. Of the total 648-metre-long and 8-metre-wide structure, a 70-metre portion falls under the jurisdiction of the Railways.