After the 90-degree flyover, now 'snake-like' bridge under scrutiny in Bhopal
While no lives have been lost in these incidents so far, the risk remains high. These recurring accidents highlight the urgent need for the government and civic authorities to reassess the design and implement corrective measures before a serious tragedy occurs.KEY FLAWS IN THE BRIDGE
Subhash Nagar Railway Over Bridge
Serpentine structure: The bridge has a snake-like layout, requiring drivers to make four sharp turns—right, left, right, and then left—within just a few seconds. This rapid sequence of turns leaves little room for error or timely reaction.Poorly positioned divider: One of the most dangerous elements is the divider placed immediately after a turn while descending toward Maida Mill. Its sudden appearance has led to accidents, especially for drivers travelling at high speed or at night.Low divider height: The divider's height is insufficient, making it difficult to spot, particularly under low-light conditions.Traffic signal issues: Vehicles approaching from the Board Office towards Prabhat Petrol Pump must cross traffic from Jinsi Chowk. However, the traffic signal at this junction is unreliable, frequently malfunctioning and increasing the likelihood of collisions.Structural engineer and bridge expert Prakhar Pagaria expressed serious concern over the design, stating that serpentine bridges are inherently risky. 'Such shapes should be avoided unless space constraints leave no alternative,' he said.'Even then, they require careful oversight. If angles and elements like dividers are not meticulously planned, the result can be dangerous—especially for night-time drivers.' He added that having four quick turns without adequate response time is particularly unsafe.- Ends
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