The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is facing a persistent real estate crisis, with over 1,059 commercial properties lying unsold across the city despite repeated auction attempts every 5–6 months. These include shops, commercial halls, and plots spread across key locations like MP Nagar, Bairagarh, Nadra Bus Stand, Kokta Transport Nagar, and New Market.
Key Issues Hindering Sales
- Encroachments on several properties.
- Lack of competitive bidding, with auctions often attracting only a single bidder, leading to automatic cancellations.
- Limited investor interest, despite most properties being in high-footfall commercial areas.
- Many properties are on a 30-year lease model, standing vacant for years.
According to BMC’s Revenue Department, the market value of these assets is estimated between ₹300–₹400 crore. Still, efforts to monetize them have largely failed, raising concerns over revenue loss and asset underutilization.
Breakdown of Unsold Assets
- Bal Vihar: 73 shops
- Putli Ghar Bus Stand: 62 shops
- Berasia Bus Stand: 55 shops
- Nadra Bus Stand: 54 shops
- Laxmi Talkies area: 70 shops
- Other areas (Bairagarh, Shahjahanabad, Kolar, Jahangirabad, New Market): Hundreds of shops
- Kokta Transport Nagar: 87 plots
- D Sector: 147 plots
- A, B, C Sectors: 88 plots
What BMC Officials Say
Mayor-In-Council (MIC) member Chhaya Thakur clarified that most properties have been developed recently and are not embroiled in legal disputes. “The sale process is often stalled due to insufficient competition. If there’s only one bidder, the sale is cancelled,” she said, emphasizing the need for improved marketing and investor engagement.
Way Forward
Urban planners and trade analysts suggest:
- Re-evaluating pricing strategies
- Offering incentives or flexible lease terms
- Exploring public-private partnerships
- Reducing bureaucratic red tape to attract investors
Until then, these crores-worth of commercial assets remain locked and unused — a costly burden on civic resources and a missed opportunity for urban economic growth.
