The making of an urban absurdity

In the past year, many urban projects have raised a common question: How do designs that look problematic manage to get approved?

Krishna Gupta, an advocate and activist in Mira-Bhayandar, Mumbai, had seen a brand-new ₹100-crore double-decker flyover take shape over several months. What puzzled him was its curious design: four lanes abruptly narrowed into two, with no warning, signage or proper transition. Just a sudden concrete wall. Gupta raised his concerns informally with officials, but says he was heard and ignored.

The Mira-Bhayandar bridge in Mumbai.(HT Photo)

The elevated rotary of a flyover at Ashok Square in Nagpur passing close to a house.(HT Photo)

In Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar, several concrete pillars have stood incomplete for almost three years around the iconic arch gate, looming as giant eyesores.(HT Photo)

The ₹18-crore Aishbagh Railway Overbridge in Bhopal went viral for its dangerously sharp turn.(HT Photo)