MP's Metropolitan Authority for 5 Cities: Indore-Bhopal Development Plan Approved

On May 20, the Cabinet of Madhya Pradesh approved the Madhya Pradesh Metropolitan Planning & Development Act 2025. Under this Act, five cities—Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Ujjain—will form Metropolitan Authorities. The first phase will focus on the two largest urban areas: Bhopal and Indore, with their metropolitan regions being developed. The Bhopal metropolitan region will cover 9,600 sq km, and Indore will have around 10,000 sq km of area. Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPC) and Metropolitan Regional Development Authorities (MRDA) will be formed to oversee the development.

10 Questions Answered on the Metropolitan Region Initiative

1. Why is there a need for a Metropolitan Area?

Indore and Bhopal are experiencing rapid urbanization. The surrounding areas are growing faster than other cities. This calls for integrated planning for both urban and rural development. A coordinated approach is necessary to utilize land based on development potential and integrate surrounding industrial zones and towns into a unified development plan.

2. Which districts will be included in the Indore Metropolitan Region?

The Indore Metropolitan Area will include five districts: Indore, Dewas, Ujjain, Dhar, and Shajapur, covering approximately 9,000 sq km. The population of this region will be around 55 lakh, but planning will be based on an estimated population of 75 lakh. The Indore Development Authority (IDA) will be the nodal agency for the region.

3. Which districts will be included in the Bhopal Metropolitan Region?

The Bhopal Metropolitan Area will comprise Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Vidisha, and Rajgarh districts, including the town of Biaora. The total area will be 9,600 sq km, with an estimated population of 35 lakh, and planning will be based on a potential population of 60 lakh. The Bhopal Development Authority will be responsible for regional development.

4. How will the Metropolitan Region be developed?

The development will take place in four phases: Inception, Situation Analysis, Regional & Investment Plan, and DPR (Detailed Project Report). The first phase has already been completed for Indore. In the next phases, data collection and planning for the entire region will be carried out.

5. Who will develop the Metropolitan Region?

The Metropolitan Development Authority, chaired by the Chief Minister, will be responsible for the development of the metropolitan areas. The authority will coordinate various urban bodies, local panchayats, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of development projects.

6. Which states' experiences were studied for this project?

The Madhya Pradesh government studied metropolitan regions in 12 states, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Gurugram, Fariyabad, and several other major cities, to prepare a plan for Indore and Bhopal.

7. How will this impact the environment?

Environmental protection will be integrated into the development process. Special focus will be given to conserving catchment areas, water sources, groundwater recharge, flood control, and protection of archaeological sites and tourism areas.

8. How will industries and employment be promoted?

New industrial zones and transport networks will be created in and around Indore and Bhopal. Focus will be on developing infrastructure for textiles, automobiles, pharma, and agro-based industries to boost employment and local economic growth.

9. What transportation improvements are planned?

Public transport will be a key focus, with plans to integrate metro, rail, airports, highways, and rapid transit projects. A dedicated Transport Authority will coordinate these efforts for better management.

10. What will happen to the existing development authorities?

Existing authorities in Indore, Ujjain, and Dewas will continue to function within their respective urban areas. For the remaining regions, the Metropolitan Development Authority will oversee the planning and coordination of development efforts.