BHOPAL: The closure of the Aishbagh underbridge in Bhopal has disrupted daily commutes, prompting residents to seek the district administration’s intervention.
On Tuesday, residents led by Congress leader Manoj Shukla visited the collectorate during a public hearing and submitted an application to Additional District Magistrate Sumit Pandey, seeking the early reopening of the underbridge.
According to the applicants, journeys that previously took only a few seconds now require detours of nearly 3km and take several minutes. They said the closure had increased traffic congestion on main roads, affecting commuters, schoolchildren, traders and local residents.
Residents raise concerns over alternative route
The residents claimed that the alternative route suggested by the administration was narrow and in poor condition, making it difficult to accommodate increased traffic.
They also expressed concern that school buses and ambulances could get stuck in congestion during peak hours. Local traders were reportedly facing difficulties because of reduced accessibility.
The group urged the administration to expedite work on the underbridge and reopen it as soon as possible. Until then, they requested the removal of barricades on the alternative route via the 90-degree Bridge and the deployment of traffic police to manage traffic and prevent accidents.
The residents warned that they would stage a hunger strike if their demands were not addressed.
130 applications received
A total of 130 applications were received during Tuesday’s public hearing. Bhopal resident Prakash Shakya, who has a disability, was provided with a tricycle. Collector Priyank Mishra and other officials heard residents’ grievances.
