Higher Local Aspirations Vs Government Vision: People, Public Representatives Demand More From Bhopal Metropolitan Plan

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The proposed Bhopal Metropolitan Region is expected to transform the landscape in a big way. People and elected representatives living in areas that will become part of the metropolitan region are demanding more development than what the government has currently envisioned.

They are seeing the metropolitan project as an opportunity to be maximized for local area development. However, some express discontent that the government did not take them into confidence before drafting the project plan.

Two-time Congress MLA from the Central Bhopal constituency, Arif Masood, stated that the government did not bother to contact him for suggestions regarding the proposed metropolitan region.

Berasia: Local train services

BJP MLA from Berasia, Vishnu Khatri suggested launching local train services like Mumbai to connect Bhopal with nearby towns like Obaidullaganj, Vidisha, Sehore, Biaora to facilitate hassle free commutation. 

Also emphasized job creation, industrialization, and road development.  The metropolitan concept will promote industrialization and tourism and create a web of roads, ultimately boosting job opportunities, said Khatri. The villages covered in the plan will undergo a radical transformation in terms of development, he added.

Vidisha: Four-lane road, Narmada water

Former Congress MLA  from Vidisha, Shashank Bhargava said that four-lane road will connect Vidisha with Bhopal thereby facilitating the transportation which currently Vidisha is devoid of. Since the project also focuses on water supply, the MLA urged that Narmada water be provided to Vidisha residents, just like in Bhopal.

Biaora: Industrial development, improved irrigation

Rang Lal Dangi MLA from Biaora (Rajgarh district) said that his constituency lacks industries and, therefore, the metropolitan plan should emphasise on establishing industrial units in the region. This would help Biaora prosper and flourish, said the legislature. He also emphasizes on the need to enhance irrigation facilities to increase farmers’ income.

Sehore: New industries, educational institutions

BJP’s Sudesh Rai from Sehore described the project as an opportunity for immense development. He highlighted that Bhopal is an overpopulated city with limited available land, while, Sehore  in contrast, which is close to the state capital, has abundant land, making it ideal for establishing industries and educational institutions. This would significantly boost the local economy, he added

Raisen: Tourist circuit

People in Raisen district are of the opinion that metropolitan plan would be a boon for the backward district.  Known for its natural beauty and numerous tourist sites, Raisen could greatly benefit from the creation of a tourist circuit under the metropolitan plan, said a resident.