Bhopal Master Plan 2047 Draft Released For 1016.9 Sq km Area; Focuses On Sustainable, Economic Development & 51Km Growth Corridor

The Bhopal Master Plan 2047 draft has been released by the state government, covering an investment area of 1016.90 square kilometers, including 254 villages and an estimated population of 4.5 million people. The plan focuses on four main pillars: conservation of natural ecosystems, reform-oriented planning, modern citizen-friendly approaches, and self-sustainable economic development.

Key features of the Bhopal 2047 development plan include eco-sensitive planning, with special attention to Bhoj Tal (Upper Lake) and its catchment area, as well as provisions for conserving hills, forests, ponds, water bodies, and tiger movement areas. Approximately 3000 hectares of land have been proposed for the 51-kilometer Growth Corridor, connecting the Education Knowledge Artificial Intelligence (EKAI) City, airport, CMAU, logistics warehousing, wholesale sectors, and various suburbs.

A mixed-use, high-density development is envisioned along this corridor, with employment-oriented activities such as hotels, healthcare services, IT sector, AI and data centers, logistics, wholesale trade, hypermarkets, mall-multiplexes, corporate offices, education hubs, and housing.

The draft plan also emphasizes the integration of the Bhopal Metropolitan Area, ensuring that development in the city and resources of the metropolitan area mutually benefit each other. A BRTS corridor is proposed for public transport within the Growth Corridor, which could be upgraded to MRTS in the future. Provisions for unlimited Floor Area Ratio (FAR) have been made in this area to encourage mixed-use development and foster an investment-friendly environment.

Commissioner and Director of Town and Country Planning, Kaushlendra Vikram Singh, stated that the Bhopal master plan serves as a roadmap for planned growth up to 2047, with mixed land use regulated by road width, while protecting the city's character and environment.