In a significant development regarding the controversial railway overbridge in Bhopal’s Aishbagh area, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has provided major relief to the contractor company. The court has also sought responses from the concerned department and the government.
SNPNEWS.IN News Update, Sep 25: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted substantial relief to the contractor company in the case related to the controversial railway overbridge in Bhopal’s Aishbagh area, popularly known as the ‘90 Degree Bridge.’ The High Court has set aside the government order blacklisting the contractor, stating that the bridge’s design was prepared in accordance with the drawings and plans provided by the engineers and officials of the Public Works Department (PWD).
On September 18, 2025, the Division Bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf, ordered the reversal of the blacklisting of the contractor firm, M/s Puneet Chadda. The court remarked sharply, “The scapegoat has been let out; now someone’s head will have to roll,” implying that action will be taken against the responsible officials. The court issued notices to the PWD officials, seeking their response.
The Civil Engineering Department of Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) submitted a report to the court on September 11, stating that the bridge’s curve measures 118-119 degrees, not 90 degrees as claimed. Earlier, the court had directed the contractor to pay a fee of ₹1 lakh for this report.
Previously, on July 4, 2025, the PWD had blacklisted the contractor for one year and canceled the tender. However, following the expert report, the government sought time from the court to reconsider its decision. PWD Minister Rakesh Singh stated that there was no technical fault in the bridge, only a lack of coordination. Eight officials were also sacked in connection with the matter.
The court has directed the government to review the report and conduct further investigation. The next hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025.