Bhopal Road Project Fiasco: ₹3 Crore Road Work Stalled Due to Poor Planning and Unremoved Electric Poles

Bhopal: The road widening project in the Awadhpuri area of Bhopal has once again run into trouble, leaving residents frustrated and raising questions about planning and execution. The ₹3-crore project, aimed at easing traffic congestion on the 1.8-kilometer stretch from Awadhpuri to the SOS square, is facing delays and controversies due to improper work sequencing and oversight.

Electric Poles Still in Place

One of the major issues is that electric poles along the roadside have not been relocated. These poles, now awkwardly positioned along the newly constructed road edges, pose serious risks to commuters and local residents, especially at night. Ideally, the poles should have been removed before construction began.

Mistakes in Planning and Execution

The project encountered further setbacks when contractors started road construction without first widening and strengthening a crucial culvert. Later, they had to break parts of the road to address water drainage issues, raising concerns about the durability and safety of the road.

Residents Suffer Amid Dust and Disruption

Local residents report extreme inconvenience due to dust, uneven surfaces, and ongoing construction. “Starting work in such a hurry can lead to accidents,” said resident Vikas Kumar. Social worker Sparsh Dwivedi added, “I cannot even take my newborn child to the balcony due to the dust. The poles should have been removed first. This is poor engineering.” Another resident, Anubhav Srivastava, noted that contractors are only sprinkling water to manage dust, which does little to improve conditions.

Contractor Responds

Contractor Mahesh Narwani defended his approach, saying, “I had to wait nearly three months for the poles to be removed. Considering the six-month timeline, I had no choice but to start work. Strengthening the culvert’s retaining wall is now our priority, after which road construction will resume.”

Concerns About Government Project Management

The delay highlights recurring issues in Bhopal’s government infrastructure projects, including poor coordination, rushed planning, and lack of accountability, leaving residents to navigate unsafe and incomplete roads in densely populated areas.