Bhopal's Smart City Ambitions Still Unrealised After Eight Years
SMART CITIES

Bhopal's Smart City Ambitions Still Unrealised After Eight Years

During this period, encroachments in TT Nagar have surged as government housing land that was previously cleared has transformed into slums. The smart city project, which promised over 20,000 LED lights throughout the city, has yet to reach this area. For two years, a nearly one-kilometre-long street near a tourism development property has had street poles but no lighting. BSCDCL has shifted responsibility to the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding this issue.

BSCDCL released a green and blue master plan after facing opposition to smart city development in Shivaji Nagar. The claim was that 50 per cent of the ABD area would be green. However, hundreds of trees, some towering between 70 to 100 metres, were felled in the core development area, leaving plots vacant. While BSCDCL maintains compliance with green norms, city residents lament the loss of green cover in the name of development.

So far, BSCDCL has leveraged approximately Rs 3 billion from plot sales in the ABD area, attracting the interest of developers, builders, investors, and real estate agencies. However, post-pandemic, plot sales have not been without controversy. Meanwhile, more visible projects such as multi-level parking, garbage transfer stations, traffic management, and streetlights have been delegated to other agencies by BSCDCL.

The smart city project, which initially aimed for completion within two years, was inaugurated ahead of the 2018 state elections. With another state election on the horizon, empty skyscrapers dominate the skyline, failing to realise the envisioned smart development.

During this period, encroachments in TT Nagar have surged as government housing land that was previously cleared has transformed into slums. The smart city project, which promised over 20,000 LED lights throughout the city, has yet to reach this area. For two years, a nearly one-kilometre-long street near a tourism development property has had street poles but no lighting. BSCDCL has shifted responsibility to the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding this issue. BSCDCL released a green and blue master plan after facing opposition to smart city development in Shivaji Nagar. The claim was that 50 per cent of the ABD area would be green. However, hundreds of trees, some towering between 70 to 100 metres, were felled in the core development area, leaving plots vacant. While BSCDCL maintains compliance with green norms, city residents lament the loss of green cover in the name of development. So far, BSCDCL has leveraged approximately Rs 3 billion from plot sales in the ABD area, attracting the interest of developers, builders, investors, and real estate agencies. However, post-pandemic, plot sales have not been without controversy. Meanwhile, more visible projects such as multi-level parking, garbage transfer stations, traffic management, and streetlights have been delegated to other agencies by BSCDCL. The smart city project, which initially aimed for completion within two years, was inaugurated ahead of the 2018 state elections. With another state election on the horizon, empty skyscrapers dominate the skyline, failing to realise the envisioned smart development.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

REC Transfers HVDC Project to Power Grid

REC Limited has successfully handed over the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission project to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). This strategic move aligns with the nation's objectives to strengthen its power transmission network. Key Highlights: Project Overview: The HVDC project, under the inter-state transmission system (ISTS) initiative, is a critical component of India's push toward robust and efficient electricity transmission. It aims to handle bulk power transfer across long distances while ensuring minimal losses. Role of RE..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

NF Railway Collaborates with IIT Guwahati

The Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway has signed strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Guwahati to foster technological advancements and improve railway operations in the region. This partnership focuses on innovative solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in rail infrastructure. Key Highlights: Purpose of MoUs: The collaboration aims to leverage IIT Guwahati's expertise in technology and research for implementing cutting-edge solutions across railway operations. Key areas of focus include: Automation and digitization in maintenance. Sustainability initiati..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Danapur Division Modernization Plans Revealed

The Railway Board has unveiled ambitious plans for the expansion and modernization of the Danapur Division, a critical hub under the East Central Railway. The initiative focuses on infrastructure development, enhanced passenger amenities, and operational efficiency. Key Highlights: Scope of Modernization: The Railway Board's blueprint emphasizes: Upgrading existing infrastructure to accommodate more passenger and freight traffic. Improving station facilities, such as platforms, waiting areas, and connectivity. Introducing advanced signal systems for safer and smoother operations. Freig..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000