Bhopal Master Plan 2047 Mixed-Use Push Raises Infrastructure, Traffic And Parking Concerns

The proposed Bhopal Development Plan 2047 is pushing for mixed-use and non-residential activities across different land-use categories based on road width rather than area-wise capacity. The plan covers various areas like residential, public, semi-public, mixed-use, CMU, TOD, and agricultural areas, as well as allowing specified existing non-residential activities in developed residential colonies.

A significant 2,448.84 hectares are earmarked for mixed-use, while 1,348.97 hectares are designated for commercial use, accounting for 6.22% of the 61,017.02-hectare developable area.

Adding to this, the plan proposes a 51-km Growth Corridor, with nearly 3,000 hectares meant for high-density mixed-use development. However, these figures should not be simply added together as the corridor may overlap with the broader land-use framework. The T&CP experts also raised concerns as Bhopal's geographical areas have more low-lying areas compared to other major cities.

Therefore, the mixed-use land provisions should not be prepared according to road width. Properties must meet certain conditions related to prior development, taxation, and non-residential electricity connections.

The draft allows for specified non-residential activities in existing developed residential areas based on road width. The scope of commercial activity extends beyond designated mixed-use land, and regularisation is required for existing non-residential activities. Experts warn that the parking provision of one equivalent car space for every 50 sq m of built-up area could be challenging to implement, especially in smaller or leased properties.

While compensation may be provided for areas where parking cannot be offered, experts assert that a fee cannot create additional road space or parking capacity.