The evening showers on Tuesday exposed glaring gaps in Public Works Departments (PWD) claims, as heavy rain left key city roads waterlogged and traffic in disarray. At the Y-junction of Ambedkar Bridge (GG Flyover), near DB Mall, water pooled near the yellow-and-black rumble strips, severely inconveniencing motorists. The far end of the flyover, connecting RKMP railway station to Veer Savarkar Bridge, was submerged. A similar scene played out a few days ago at the entrance of Veer Savarkar Setu. The bridges narrow width made matters worse, as vehicles splashed water onto two-wheeler riders, raising serious safety concerns. In February, PWD workers carried out what was described as drainage improvement work on the flyover. However, supervisors later admitted it was limited to superficial patchwork. Though officials claimed the bridge has a built-in drainage system along its piers, the current flooding suggests otherwise. With the monsoon approaching, civil engineers warn this may be the last chance to address structural flaws. If ignored, the massive flyover risks becoming a catchment area, worsening flooding in its vicinity. Experts cited a 2015 National Green Tribunal directive requiring all flyovers to incorporate rainwater harvesting. They also stressed the need for better coordination between the PWD and Bhopal Municipal Corporation to manage rainwater effectively. PWD insiders now admit the flyover suffers from design flaws. Drivers complain of confusing signals that make lane changes difficult. Shockingly, a fatality occurred within a month after the opening of the ambitious megastructure. Construction quality has also come under fire. The road surface had to be re-laid shortly after inauguration, and the lighting system remains largely non-functional. Over 15 streetlights are currently out, leaving the stretch dangerously dark at night.

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