Bhopal's Aishbagh Bridge: Minister Defends 90-Degree Turn Controversy
Minister defends Aishbagh rail over bridge amid safety concerns.

Top Summary
- What happened: The PWD minister defended the design of Bhopal's Aishbagh RoB, which faced criticism for its sharp turn.
- Why it matters: Public safety concerns were raised about the bridge's 90-degree (actually 119-degree) turn, leading to national scrutiny.
- What changes for people: The minister's statements aim to reassure the public about the bridge's safety and design.
- Who is affected: Residents of Bhopal who use the Aishbagh RoB and are concerned about potential accidents.
Aishbagh Bridge Under Scrutiny
The Aishbagh rail over bridge (RoB) in Bhopal, constructed for Rs 18 crore, drew national criticism in June of last year due to its perceived sharp turn.
The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister addressed the controversy in the state assembly, defending the bridge's design.
Minister's Defense
The minister claimed that the issues with the Aishbagh RoB stemmed not from its angle, but from missing slope and curves.
He stated that highly-developed countries and states within India also feature 90-degree bridges and roads.
"The issue of the 90-degree bridge has also come up; A perception has been formed, and everyone has started going by that perception,"
Addressing Public Perception
The minister sought to clarify the actual angle of the bridge, stating it's 119 degrees, not 90.
He emphasized the need to protect Madhya Pradesh's dignity and respect during discussions about the bridge.
He added that in established cities, space constraints often necessitate 90-degree designs for intersections and bridges.
"I have been told that in the country and the world, in highly developed countries and in developed states of our country, there are 90-degree bridges and even 90-degree roads..."
What to Watch Next
Future discussions in the state assembly and public forums are expected to continue addressing concerns about the Aishbagh RoB's safety and design. Monitoring of traffic patterns and accident rates on the bridge will be crucial in assessing its functionality.
