Metro works pull footpaths out from under pedestrians

Bhopal: The ongoing construction of the Bhopal Metro's Blue Line has raised serious safety concerns for pedestrian and vehicular safety.Construction of the Blue Line elevated corridor is underway along the central stretch of the road from Bhadbhada to Rangmahal. Consequently, the footpaths have been repurposed into roadways for motor vehicles.The stretch from Rangmahal to Jawahar Chowk, part of the smart city development zone, runs along a steep incline. The centre of the road is barricaded and guarded, but the side facing Doctors Lane poses a serious hazard. What was once a footpath has now been converted into a roadway for vehicles. A single skid or minor mishap could send a person or vehicle plunging into a three-foot drop. One medical practitioner, who declined to be named, warned that this situation is a clear and present danger.The unprotected side stretch lies directly opposite the makeshift office of the Metro contractor, marked by the conspicuous sight of two air conditioners. Its location makes the hazard impossible to overlook. Pedestrians complain that sidewalks meant for walking have been taken over by traffic. "We are forced to walk alongside speeding vehicles because the footpaths are gone," said a Neha, a college student. "It feels like an accident waiting to happen." Motorists echo the frustration, pointing to sudden drops and uneven surfaces. "Driving here is like navigating an obstacle course," remarked a local auto driver.Urban planners warn that such conditions undermine the very purpose of infra projects. "Infrastructure development must balance progress with safety. Unprotected drops and steep gradients are not acceptable in a city centre," said one expert. Civic activists argue that the lack of protective barriers and signage shows negligence. "Metro construction is important, but public safety cannot be compromised," said a community representative. MPMRCL official when contacted said, since the matter has been pointed it would be resolved.Officials maintain that the disruptions are temporary and necessary for long-term mobility. "We are working to deliver modern transport solutions. Safety will be strengthened as work progresses," he added. Yet for residents, patience is wearing thin. The clash between ambition and safety is now at the heart of Bhopal's Metro story. As construction continues, the city faces a pressing question: can development move forward without endangering the very people it is meant to serve.