| Work Detail |
The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a redevelopment project for VIP Road, a key route connecting the city to the airport, frequented by high-profile traffic. The plan aims to upgrade the existing bitumen road to a concrete one, with an estimated budget of ?50 crore. However, the project has stirred concerns as it passes through the Ramsar-listed Upper and Lower Lakes and the Bhoj Wetland area, with no specified completion timeline or clear environmental clearance status.
Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai confirmed the project’s approval, though she couldn’t specify a timeline. “The proposal has been cleared and allocated, but I would need to check on the completion schedule,” said Rai.
BMC Commissioner Harendra Narayan highlighted that the redevelopment would be akin to the iconic Nariman Point in Mumbai, enhancing the road’s durability. While the VIP Road section towards the airport has been smoothly upgraded, inbound traffic experiences uneven repairs, causing difficulties for commuters, particularly two-wheeler users.
The initial one-kilometer stretch from the Khanugoan intersection remains largely unrepaired, and sections near the Koh-e-Fiza and Karbala intersections are notably bumpy.
Originally constructed in the 1990s under the Bhoj Wetland Project, VIP Road’s location within a Ramsar Site brings additional environmental considerations. The Bhoj Wetland Project focused on preserving and enhancing water quality, controlling soil erosion, and supporting local biodiversity. Home to over 250 bird species and other wildlife, the lakes play a vital ecological role. Despite regulations limiting heavy vehicle access to VIP Road, lax enforcement has led to deterioration from continuous use by larger vehicles, compounding challenges for regular commuters. |
