Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Rakesh Singh announced plans to take strict action following the collapse of a railway overbridge near Shahpura in Jabalpur district. The incident occurred during maintenance work, leading to traffic disruption on the Jabalpur–Bhopal route. No casualties were reported, but concerns have been raised about infrastructure quality and safety standards.
The collapsed overbridge, built by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation, had shown signs of damage prior to the incident. While repair work was ongoing, a section of the structure caved in, prompting the closure of the affected highway stretch. Minister Singh emphasized that accountability would be enforced, including blacklisting the contractor and initiating legal action against responsible officials.
The bridge collapse has sparked debates on construction standards and maintenance practices in Madhya Pradesh. Authorities are diverting traffic through alternative routes to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions. A technical inquiry is underway to determine the cause of the collapse, highlighting the importance of stringent quality control in public works projects.
