Ajab Bhopal's Snake Bridge Sparks Outrage: Accidents Raise Alarms Over Risky Design

Bhopal has once again found itself in the spotlight — not for innovation, but for controversy surrounding bizarre bridge designs. After the infamous 90-degree flyover turn at Aishbagh, now a snake-like curved bridge in Subhash Nagar has become the center of public concern and viral ridicule. The unusual structure has already led to two serious accidents in just eight days, prompting experts and citizens alike to question the planning behind such infrastructure.

Bridge or Death Trap?

The Subhash Nagar Railway Over Bridge (ROB) was constructed at a cost of ₹40 crore and was meant to serve as a crucial link for passengers heading to Bhopal Railway Station and connecting the Maida Mill area to Prabhat Petrol Pump. But despite being operational for two years, it’s now under scrutiny for poor design and rising accident risk.

Why Is This Bridge So Dangerous?

• The bridge has multiple sharp turns — four major ones in just a few seconds of driving — creating a winding path that resembles a snake.

• Drivers find it hard to maintain control, especially at night.

• The road divider is too low and lacks proper visibility in low light.

• Lack of sufficient space for safe turning further increases the risk.

In both recent accidents, vehicles lost control and hit the divider — including a school van and a private car. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but the incidents have shaken public confidence in the structure’s safety.

Experts Sound the Alarm

Bridge safety experts have labeled the design as “inherently risky.” They argue that:

• Snake-like curvature should be a last resort, used only when space constraints absolutely demand it.

• Safety features like lighting, signage, and proper divider height are either missing or poorly implemented.

• The bridge design ignores basic principles of traffic flow and driver behavior.

Public and Political Pressure Mounts

As the photos and videos of the snake bridge go viral on social media, residents are demanding accountability. Many have asked how such a flawed design passed approval and why safety audits weren’t done thoroughly before opening it to the public.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Urban Planning

The Subhash Nagar ROB stands as a warning — that poorly planned, visually confusing, and structurally flawed designs can have real-world consequences. With lives at stake, bridge aesthetics and land constraints must never override safety and usability.

Authorities now face growing calls to redesign the dangerous stretch, increase visibility, improve road signage, and conduct a full safety audit — before Ajab Bhopal’s snake bridge causes a tragedy that could’ve been prevented.