16 black spots, 27 deaths in three years…:₹4 crore allocated for improvements, but the municipal corporation didn’t spend the money

There are 16 identified black spots in the city where road accidents keep occurring repeatedly. To eliminate these, the government released ₹3.98 crore to the Bhopal Municipal Corporation in March and May 2023. However, the corporation spent only ₹5.30 lakh — and even that amount was used merely to conduct road safety audits at two locations: Bagsewania Police Station and Ashima Mall area. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by SPA remains buried in municipal files. No actual improvement work has been carried out. Between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024, a total of 99 accidents occurred at these black spots, resulting in 27 deaths. In 2025, the traffic police did not officially release accident and death data by black spot, allegedly to prevent the reality from coming to light. Last year alone, nearly 3,000 road accidents were recorded in Bhopal, in which at least 215 people lost their lives. Funds Released March 2023: ₹1.73 crore May 2023: ₹2.25 crore (Despite receiving the funds, no intersections were redesigned, left turns were not improved, and no speed-control measures were implemented.) Supreme Court Road Safety Committee Visit — Still No Change In August 2025, a team from the Supreme Court Road Safety Committee visited the city and inspected 8 black spots. Officials were questioned about when corrective measures would be taken. Even after this, the allocated funds were not utilized. Know the Problems at Key Locations Platinum Plaza / Atal Path:
Shops near Mata Mandir have created a blind curve. There are no speed-control arrangements, and traffic signals often remain non-functional. Ratnagiri Tiraha:
Lack of a safe and clearly defined left turn. Encroachment is a major issue. 11 Mile Tiraha:
Poor lighting at night leads to frequent accidents. Vehicles coming from Mandideep side travel at high speed, making speed breakers or rumble strips necessary. Vyapam Square, ISBT, in front of Ashima Mall, Court Square:
Poor road geometry, insufficient lane width, and lack of safety signage and reflectors. Agencies have been repeatedly instructed to address these issues. (Govindpura turning, DB Mall Square, 1250 Square, Best Price Tiraha and other locations also face similar problems.) Expert Comment Dr. Siddharth Rokde, Traffic Expert (MANIT) “Black spots persist not due to lack of budget, but due to lack of willpower. Accidents at black spots are not caused only by over-speeding; poor road design is a major factor. Proper lane segregation, reflectors, speed-control measures, and zebra crossings are essential. Safe pedestrian movement, clear left turns, and functional traffic signals are equally important. In many places, encroachments block visibility and increase accidents. Until encroachments are removed, improvements will not show results. What is truly required is strong administrative will.” Official Response We have prepared a plan in coordination with various agencies for black spot improvements. Each agency has its own responsibilities. The municipal corporation has prepared an action plan and sent it to the government for approval. We are awaiting clearance.”— R.R. Jarouliya, Superintendent Engineer,Bhopal Municipal Corporation