90-Degree Railway Overbridge in Bhopal Raises Safety Concerns

Bhopal’s 90-Degree Railway Overbridge Sparks Debate: A Bold Move or a Design Flaw?

The newly built railway overbridge (RoB) near Aishbagh Stadium in Bhopal has drawn public attention—not for its convenience, but for a sharp 90-degree turn that's raised concerns among residents and netizens alike. While the bridge is close to completion, questions are already being raised about the safety and logic behind such an unconventional design.

The Purpose of the Overbridge

The bridge is designed to link Old Bhopal areas like Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, and the station zone with New Bhopal, easing traffic congestion and eliminating the lengthy detours that were necessary due to the previously operational level crossing. As per the Public Works Department, once operational, it is expected to benefit around three lakh commuters daily.

Built at a cost of ₹18 crore, the overbridge spans 648 meters in length and 8.5 meters in width, with construction starting in March 2023.

Why the 90-Degree Turn?

The sharp turn, which is now the most discussed feature of this project, is a direct result of land constraints and infrastructure overlap—particularly the presence of a metro rail station near the construction site. According to officials, especially Chief Engineer V.D. Verma, the tight angle was not a design choice, but a last resort dictated by urban limitations.

Verma explained:

“Due to the metro station, there is limited availability of land at the point. There was no other option."

Public Concerns: A Design That Risks Safety?

Despite reassurances from the authorities, local residents and social media users have criticized the 90-degree turn, arguing that such a sharp bend increases the risk of accidents, particularly for two-wheelers and small cars which may struggle to negotiate the turn at high speeds.

Concerns include:

• Visibility issues

• Sudden braking and skidding

• Risk during rain or low visibility conditions

In response, officials stated:

• Only light vehicles will be allowed on the overbridge.

• It will be operated under strict safety norms, as per Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines.

• Heavy vehicles will be banned, further reducing potential hazards.

The Bigger Picture

This situation sheds light on a broader urban planning challenge in Indian cities: how to modernize transport infrastructure in densely built environments with limited land availability.

The bridge, despite its awkward geometry, serves a critical need—relieving traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity in a growing city. It reflects the trade-offs engineers often face: function versus form, safety versus space, and public expectation versus ground realities.

Conclusion

While the 90-degree RoB in Bhopal may not win awards for design, it does raise important questions about urban infrastructure planning, especially in space-constrained, rapidly expanding cities. Whether it turns out to be a smart solution or a potential hazard will largely depend on how effectively it's regulated and maintained.

For now, one thing is certain: the bridge has already become one of Bhopal's most talked-about civic structures—even before its official opening.

Here are the main disadvantages that people may face due to the sharp 90-degree railway overbridge (RoB) turn in Bhopal:

1. Increased Risk of Accidents

• The sharp 90-degree angle is not ideal for fast-moving vehicles.

• Two-wheelers and small cars may skid or lose balance while turning abruptly, especially during rain or at night.

• New or inexperienced drivers may find it difficult to navigate the turn safely.

2. Limited Visibility

• Such a sharp bend reduces the driver's line of sight, making it difficult to spot oncoming traffic or pedestrians.

• It increases the chances of blind-spot collisions, especially in high-traffic conditions.

3. Traffic Congestion

• Vehicles will be forced to slow down significantly at the turn, possibly leading to traffic jams during peak hours.

• Continuous slow movement could lead to bottlenecks, especially if a vehicle breaks down or gets stuck mid-turn.

4. Restriction on Heavy Vehicles

• Since only light vehicles are allowed, goods carriers, buses, and emergency vehicles (like fire trucks) may have to take longer alternative routes.

• This could delay logistics and emergency response in nearby localities.

5. Navigation Challenges for Outstation Drivers

• Drivers unfamiliar with the area may find the turn unexpected and confusing, especially at night or without proper signage.

• This may increase the chance of missed turns, sudden braking, or wrong-way driving.

In summary, while the overbridge improves connectivity, the 90-degree turn introduces potential safety and usability challenges that need to be carefully managed through:

• Proper signage

• Speed control measures

• Regular maintenance

• Public awareness campaigns