Indore Road Widening Projects to Offer Flats to Displaced Families
Indore’s rapid urban expansion has brought about the urgent need for road widening to accommodate the growing population and traffic. However, this development has led to significant challenges, particularly concerning the displacement of residents living along the proposed road corridors. To address this issue, state Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has assured that the affected residents will be provided with flats as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme.
During a review of 23 major road projects funded under the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States 2023-24’, Vijayvargiya emphasised that Indore’s future growth relies on the expansion of its infrastructure. The current road network is struggling to meet the needs of the city’s rapidly increasing population, and in order to facilitate wider roads, structures encroaching on the proposed paths need to be removed. This has sparked protests from residents, particularly those with old homes along the proposed road alignments. In response to local protests and concerns, Vijayvargiya assured that all roads would be constructed in line with the master plan, and residents affected by these developments would be provided flats as per their eligibility under the rehabilitation programme. He outlined that these relocation efforts would follow a structured process to ensure fairness and transparency. The 23 road projects, which span a total of 34.75 kilometres, are divided into four packages to expedite the work. Each package will be managed by a different consultant to ensure the quality of construction and to oversee the timely completion of the roads. The total estimated cost for these projects is approximately Rs 468.41 crore, and the works are expected to alleviate long-standing traffic congestion in the city.
Vijayvargiya stressed that the road widening would primarily impact residents with old homes, particularly in areas such as Chawani and Subhash Marg. The minister directed officials to prepare a detailed list of affected properties, taking special care to identify those homes in historical districts. To ensure that the projects progress smoothly and that funds are utilised effectively, Vijayvargiya instructed that information boards be placed at every construction site. These boards will provide details on the project cost, the supervising engineer, the consultant, and the expected completion date. This move is intended to increase transparency and keep residents informed about the developments that will impact their lives.
Moreover, the minister has been firm on maintaining a high level of accountability. He insisted that contractors be paid within seven days of submitting their bills, with at least 75% of the payment made promptly to avoid any delays in project timelines. Additionally, he recommended that regular meetings be held with concerned authorities to resolve any hurdles relating to the relocation of structures and to address the concerns of local religious institutions that may also be affected by the roadworks. Residents of Subhash Marg, one of the areas most affected by the proposed road widening, have raised concerns about the proposed 30-metre width of the road. They have requested that the road be narrowed to preserve parts of their structures. In response, Vijayvargiya promised to carefully review these requests and ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the community while still fulfilling the need for wider roads to accommodate growing traffic.
The importance of these road projects cannot be overstated, as they are a crucial part of Indore’s development strategy. However, the city’s growth must be balanced with the well-being of its residents. The rehabilitation measures being introduced are aimed at mitigating the impact on affected families, ensuring that they are not left behind in the face of urbanisation. The road projects are not just about creating wider roads; they are a symbol of the city’s push towards modernisation and improved infrastructure. While the relocation of families presents challenges, the government is committed to ensuring that these efforts are managed equitably. By providing displaced residents with flats and addressing local concerns, Indore aims to create a more sustainable, accessible city for its future generations.
