Bhopal’s newly constructed Aishbagh Bridge, which gained widespread attention due to its sharp 90-degree turn, is set to be redesigned following public outcry and media scrutiny. The 648-meter-long, 8.5-meter-wide bridge, built at a cost of Rs 18 crore, had sparked fears among locals and commuters over safety risks and traffic congestion at the bend. Responding to these concerns, Indian Railways has agreed to allocate additional land to facilitate modifications aimed at improving the bridge’s design and usability.

Public Works Department (PWD) officials confirmed that once the railway completes the land transfer, construction work to widen the bridge and soften the sharp turn will begin. The redesign will involve dismantling the current railing at the problematic bend and converting it into a gentler curve, increasing the bridge’s width by approximately three feet. This enhancement is expected to ease vehicle movement, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance commuter safety, addressing the choke point that has frustrated drivers and pedestrians alike. Measurements for the redesign were recently conducted at the site to finalize plans.

Earlier, project officials had defended the original design, citing constraints posed by the nearby metro station and limited land availability at the junction. PWD Chief Engineer VD Verma noted the logistical challenges, while PWD Minister Rakesh Singh acknowledged the concerns but assured that all technical factors had been considered during construction. He also stated that if the allegations hold merit, an investigation would be conducted. The redesign marks a significant step toward resolving traffic issues in one of Bhopal’s busiest areas, improving safety and flow for daily commuters.