Madhya Pradesh Delays Bhopal and Indore Master Plans for Metropolitan Integration
The master plans for Bhopal and Indore have been officially placed on hold by the Madhya Pradesh government, pending the finalization of comprehensive metropolitan region plans for these two major cities. This decision was confirmed by state minister Kailash Vijayvargiya during a recent assembly session, highlighting a strategic shift towards integrated urban development.
Minister's Statement on Plan Status and Review Process
Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya addressed the state assembly on February 24, revealing that the master plans were completed approximately one-and-a-half years ago. However, they are now subject to reconsideration or redrafting to ensure alignment with the proposed metropolitan areas. "My department has prepared and completed it one-and-a-half years ago, and the master plan is ready," Vijayvargiya stated. He further explained that discussions with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav have indicated a need for review in light of the broader metropolitan vision. "Let us first see his vision; if he says to remake it, we will redraft it and think in a new way. But we have already prepared it. We will sit with the CM and discuss it," he added, emphasizing ongoing collaboration.
Legislative Background and Metropolitan Region Framework
The delay follows the Madhya Pradesh cabinet's approval of the Madhya Pradesh Metropolitan Region Planning and Development Act 2025 on May 20, 2025. This legislation establishes metropolitan planning committees and development authorities for two key regions:
- Indore-Ujjain-Dewas-Dhar region
- Bhopal-Sehore-Raisen-Vidisha-Biaora (Rajgarh) region
These authorities are tasked with crafting integrated development plans tailored to each area's geographic and economic needs, with regions expected to be expanded accordingly to foster cohesive growth.
CAG Report Criticizes Outdated Planning and Delays
The government's stance comes just four days after a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report was tabled in the assembly on February 20, which criticized the lack of current master plans. The 2025 CAG report on town and country planning noted that since 1975, only two Bhopal Development Plans had been approved—in 1991 and 2005—leaving no effective basis for managing population growth. It highlighted that the state returned the draft Bhopal Development Plan-2031 in February 2024 after a 36-month delay, with no revised draft submitted since. "The outdated Bhopal Development Plan 2005 continues to prevail. As a result, Bhopal Development Plan 2005 continued to be the benchmark which might not be relevant to cater to the present development needs," the report warned, underscoring urgent planning gaps.
Implications for Urban Development and Future Steps
This hold on the master plans signals a pivotal moment in Madhya Pradesh's urban planning strategy, as the state moves towards a more holistic approach with metropolitan regions. The integration of Bhopal and Indore into larger economic zones aims to enhance infrastructure, housing, and sustainability. Stakeholders await further discussions between the minister and chief minister to determine whether the existing plans will be revised or entirely redrafted to meet contemporary demands and the new metropolitan framework.
