BHOPAL: Union housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal Khattar reiterated Union gov’s support for Madhya Pradesh‘s urban development goals during the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit (MP GIS), here on Tuesday.
Khattar spoke during a session titled ‘Unlocking Land Values and Cities,’ emphasising growth targets for 2047. Key initiatives include expanding Bhopal and Indore Metro rail systems, promoting e-mobility and providing affordable housing.
Khattar discussed Madhya Pradesh’s investor-focused policies and current govt efforts in slum redevelopment. He stressed the importance of affordable housing and pledged central govt backing for real estate sector growth.
“Affordable housing is the most needed today. Whatever suggestions are received for development in the real estate sector, the govt will work on them,” Khattar stated.
He also mentioned the single window system and existing EV policy advantages for investors. Khattar confirmed potential additional development for the Bhopal Metro depending on public need and promised continued support. He stated that investor feedback would inform future policy decisions.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a Vikasit Bharat by 2047, with cities playing a crucial role in achieving this goal,” said Khattar.
Madhya Pradesh has introduced three policies for urban planning, a move Khattar considers significant. He emphasised the importance of balanced growth, focusing on high-density urban areas.
Regarding the Bhopal and Indore metro projects, Khattar said, “Metro expansion should be planned to ensure benefits for all sections of society.” He also called for comprehensive planning for metropolitan areas and accurate population projections. The Union govt is promoting electric vehicles to enhance environmental sustainability in urban transport. Khattar stressed the importance of reducing carbon emissions and highlighted the carbon credit incentive policy.
MP urban development and housing minister Kailash Vijayvargiya discussed increasing revenue for urban bodies. He noted the Integrated Township Policy’s role in comprehensive city development and mentioned concessions offered to developers under new housing policies, including the Indore Hukumchand Mill land redevelopment.
Vijayvargiya announced plans to increase greenery in cities and incentivise builders who incorporate green spaces. Discussions also covered the MP Integrated Policy, Re-densification, and Madhya Pradesh Housing Redevelopment Policy. MPUAD, principal sectary, Sanjay Shukla, announced quarterly meetings with builders and developers and improvements to the single-window system for increased transparency. MP cooperative minister, Vishwas Sarang, Bhopal mayor Malti Rai and others also attended the session.
