Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said Bhopal is among the most beautiful cities in India and the state government is working with a clear strategy to develop it into a metropolitan hub. He added that neighboring districts would also benefit from the growth.
Addressing a programme at the Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium, organised by Bhopal Municipal Corporation, the Chief Minister said regional connectivity will improve with the construction of the Western Bypass, while metro services in Bhopal are expected to begin by October 2025. Tourism, he said, will be boosted with the introduction of Shikara rides at the city’s famous ‘Bada Tal’ lake, along with the construction of grand gateways on major roads and a large convention centre.
At the event, Dr. Yadav laid the foundation stone for water supply works worth Rs 582.32 crore and 50 ward-level projects worth Rs 16.76 crore under the AMRUT 2.0 Mission. Appointment and compassionate appointment letters were also distributed, while sanitation workers were honoured for Bhopal’s performance in Swachh Survekshan 2024.
Dr. Yadav said under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Bhopal will now provide clean drinking water to 30,000 households under AMRUT 2.0. “The rapid expansion of urban development and civic amenities across India is a result of the Prime Minister’s determination, making life easier for common citizens,” he said, noting that development works are underway in 295 towns across Madhya Pradesh.
He recalled India’s long urban tradition, citing Harappa and Mohenjo-daro as examples, and highlighted that India’s economy has now risen to the fourth largest globally. Stressing the role of local bodies in implementing central and state schemes, the Chief Minister also remembered Bhopal’s contribution to democratic traditions, including the Bhopal Merger Movement.
Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Vishwas Kailash Sarang said urban expansion plays a key role in job creation and overall state development. He noted that Bhopal secured second place in cleanliness rankings this year and called upon citizens to contribute to making the city No. 1.
Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai said under AMRUT 2.0, four new filter plants, four intake wells, a 700-km pipeline network, and 36 overhead tanks will be built to meet the city’s drinking water demand. She also announced compassionate appointments for families of 31 BMC employees who passed away and appointment letters for 24 candidates selected through direct recruitment.
The programme was attended by former Protem Speaker and MLA Rameshwar Sharma, MLA Bhagwan Das Sabnani, corporators, officials, BMC employees, sanitation workers and local residents.