a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager? b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh? c) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?

A rail overbridge (ROB) is being planned in the capital city of a central Indian state. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion and ease delays at railway crossings, which affect thousands of daily commuters. It had been a long-standing demand of local residents, and the government approved it to address expansion traffic bottlenecks in the area. The project is to be executed by the State Public Works Department (PWD), with a strict completion deadline of one year i.e. 31st July 2026. The PWD Minister, who is also the local MLA, is scheduled to inaugurate the project in the third week of August 2026. This is planned to take place shortly before the expected announcement of state elections. Ramesh has been selected as the project manager of this prestigious assignment on the basis of his professional competence and experience.

While reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flaw. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrified railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a technical standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users.

Ramesh promptly raises the issue with the Chief Engineer. However, the Chief Engineer overrules the concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) has already been approved by the bridge Engineering Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revising the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political attention.

Subsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relation of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under active consideration, but could be jeopardised if he causes 'unnecessary hurdles' in the project's timely completion.

The incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major development achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nevertheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if left unaddressed.

Meanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism from several engineering experts who have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.

— Anindya Pandey · AIR 158