In Bhopal, a bridge with 90-degree turn draws criticism, minister says will look into it

In Bhopal, a newly opened flyover has triggered widespread criticism — not for its utility, but for a sharp 90-degree turn that many call dangerous.

The flyover, 648 meters long, was built to ease traffic in the city. Instead, it has drawn concern over road safety. The sharp bend has surprised commuters and sparked online debate.

A Sudden Turn Becomes a Public Shock

Locals were stunned to see the flyover include a perfect right-angle turn. Videos and photos of the bend spread quickly on social media. Some compared it to a racing track, while others called it a “real-life stunt ramp.”

People mocked the design online, but many also raised serious safety concerns. The turn comes up suddenly. Drivers who go even slightly fast may lose control.

“This is risky. I don’t feel safe turning on it at 30 km/h,” said a daily commuter.

Safety Experts Sound the Alarm

Traffic engineers also criticized the design. They say bridges should allow vehicles to maintain a steady path. Sudden bends, especially sharp ones, can lead to accidents.

“A 90-degree turn on a flyover is highly unusual,” said a local road safety expert. “Bridges must be built with smooth curves to help drivers stay safe, especially at speed.”

Experts believe this design violates basic traffic planning rules. A slippery surface or sudden brake could easily lead to a crash.

Government Responds to Criticism

After the backlash, Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya addressed the issue. “We have taken note of the situation. If the design is unsafe, we will examine it,” he told reporters.

Though the response gave some hope, the government hasn’t yet announced any specific action. There’s no official word about safety audits, warning signs, or redesign.

Opposition Slams Government

The flyover controversy has become a political flashpoint. The opposition, including Congress, attacked the ruling party for poor planning.

“This bridge is not just a road hazard. It reflects the larger failure of urban planning,” said a Congress leader. “Who approved such a design? Why was public safety ignored?”

Ruling party officials defended the bridge. Some claimed the sharp bend was necessary because of land acquisition issues, though this explanation hasn’t been backed by documents.

What Can Be Done Now?

Officials are discussing possible fixes. Here are a few steps they may take:

• Install speed breakers and warning signs ahead of the curve
• Add bright lights to improve visibility at night
• Paint reflective markers along the curve
• Launch public alerts to slow down drivers
• Conduct a structural review for long-term changes

Short-term actions like signs and lighting could happen soon. But any redesign may take months and involve budget approvals.

Citizens Call for Better Planning

Residents say they’ve seen this pattern before — projects rushed through without public input or proper checks. “We need better planning, not just construction,” said a local activist.

Others echoed this sentiment. They want the government to prioritize safety over speed when launching large projects.

“This isn’t about politics. It’s about lives,” said a school teacher who uses the bridge daily.

A Larger Urban Issue

The Bhopal bridge is just one example of many across India. Cities are expanding fast, but urban infrastructure often lags behind. Designs sometimes focus more on cost-cutting and deadlines than on public utility.

This case shows the urgent need for better coordination between engineers, planners, and local authorities. Many believe a safety-first approach is the only way to avoid such errors in the future.

Final Thoughts

The Bhopal flyover has gone viral — but for the wrong reason. The government must now decide: will it fix the problem or wait for an accident?

Until then, drivers must approach the bridge slowly — and with caution.