The government has taken a tough stand on the technical flaws in the design of Aishbagh railway overbridge (ROB) under construction in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, taking major administrative action in this matter, has suspended eight engineers of the Public Works Department (LONV) with immediate effect.
The Chief Minister said that after receiving complaints of serious negligence and flawed design in the construction work of Aishbagh ROB, he ordered an inquiry into the entire project. After the investigation report came, it became clear that the overbridge was constructed contrary to technical standards.
What action took place?
Seven engineers including two Chief Engineer (CE) have been suspended. A departmental inquiry has been ordered against a retired superintending engineer (SE). The construction agency and design consultant have been blacklisted due to the incorrect design of ROB.
In fact, the railway overbridge (ROB), built near Aishbagh Stadium in Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, remains the center of negative discussions and criticism these days. Local people and social media users have raised serious questions on its unusual design.
Bridge built at a cost of Rs 18 crore
The main objective of this railway overbridge (ROB), built at a cost of about Rs 18 crore, is to connect Mahamai’s garden, Pushpa Nagar and Station area better with the new Bhopal, so that the movement of vehicles from these areas can be easier and facilitated. The construction of this bridge was expected to reduce traffic pressure and provide a fast and safe route to the people.
Last week, the Public Works Department (PWD) formed a committee to find solutions to ensure safe movement of vehicles on the bridge. PWD Minister Rakesh Singh had said that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), who is investigating the case, has said in its report that such an unusual design was adopted due to lack of land availability.
According to the minister, this committee with two main engineers will interact with all the concerned parties including the railway and after that a decision will be taken on corrective steps. He also clarified that based on the report of the committee, it will be decided how the turn of the bridge can be made more smooth and accidentless.
Officials associated with the construction of this ROB say that in view of the lack of land and the metro station nearby, they had no other practical option but to adopt this design.