From 90-degree bridge to ‘Eiffel Power’: Bhopal’s new ‘wonder’ is a road under a high-tension pole

Bhopal's Eifel Tower. (Screengrab: X/PTI)

• A road in Bhopal now runs directly under a high-tension electricity tower
• Locals fear safety risks, especially during monsoon and for heavy vehicles
• Repeated complaints to officials have not led to any action or relocation

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After the much-mocked 90-degree Aishbagh bridge and the perennially debated “short” metro station, Bhopal has added yet another urban oddity to its list -- this time in Karond.

In Vinayak Colony, a fully motorable road now runs directly beneath a towering high-tension electricity pole, prompting residents to sarcastically nickname it their very own “Eiffel Tower,” only far more electrifying than scenic.

VIDEO | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: A high-tension electric line tower stands in the middle of a busy road, raising serious safety concerns. (Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/tKFUeq2UKS

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 10, 2026

The structure has stood in Ward No. 14 for over two decades, but what has alarmed locals is the recent construction of a road right under the buzzing high-voltage lines. Cars, bikes and pedestrians now pass beneath the tower daily, with many fearing the stretch could turn dangerous, especially during the monsoon.

Shailendra Singh, a resident of the area, told NDTV that the tower was installed when the locality was largely open land. “Back then, there were fields around. Now colonies have come up everywhere. The risk has multiplied,” he said.

Residents claim heavy vehicles struggle to pass under the structure, and anxiety spikes during rain due to fears of electrocution. A recent incident in which a young girl reportedly suffered burns from high-tension current has deepened concerns among families.

Salman, who has lived in the colony for over two decades, said the issue has been raised repeatedly with local representatives but with little result. “We told councillors and even raised it during a minister’s visit, but nothing changed. Big vehicles can’t pass, and faults happen frequently,” he said.

Riya, who lives next to the tower, said her family has faced constant danger. “We have complained many times but got no response. Officials say the tower won’t be removed because houses have already been built here,” she said. Local shopkeeper Pramod Sen added that his business suffers as supply trucks and school buses cannot enter the narrow stretch.

When contacted, State Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar said relocating a high-tension line requires full budget approval and specific development conditions. Meanwhile, electricity department officials say discussions on shifting the tower have taken place multiple times, but no concrete action has followed.