India's Madhya Pradesh spent 180 million rupees (about 8.9 million ringgit) and took 10 years to finally complete an overpass, but the newly finished structure immediately became a laughing stock because it features an almost 90-degree sharp turn. After ordering an investigation, authorities have suspended 7 engineers involved, and another retired chief engineer will also be investigated.
According to a report by New Delhi Television, the overpass was constructed to improve traffic connectivity between Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpanagar, the station area, and New Bhopal, potentially benefiting about 300,000 people.
However, a section of the overpass features a dangerous 90-degree sharp turn, raising concerns among local residents about how vehicles can safely pass through the curve.
Officials involved in the project argued that there was not enough available land and they also had to consider a nearby metro station, so they had no other option but to build the overpass this way. They insisted that with just a little bit more extra land, the 90-degree turn could have been replaced with a gentler curve.
However, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Yadav said on social platform X that the overpass in Aishbagh had 'design errors' and 'serious negligence' during construction, and stated that the bridge will only officially open after necessary adjustments are made.
Following the investigation, authorities have taken action against 8 engineers from the Department of Public Works. Seven of them were immediately suspended, including two chief engineers, and the last, a retired chief engineer, will also be investigated. The contractors and design consultants involved in the project have been blacklisted, and a committee has been formed to seek solutions and ensure the safe passage of vehicles on the bridge.