Indore, Ujjain and Bhopal to Be Developed as Metropolitan Cities: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that making cities modern, investment-friendly, environmentally sensitive and citizen-centric is a priority of the State Government. Work is progressing rapidly to develop Indore, Ujjain, and Bhopal as metropolitan cities. The state has set a target of creating around 20 lakh employment opportunities in the region by 2047, developing 12 to 15 new townships and undertaking planned urban development across 25,000 to 30,000 acres. Indore Future City will see housing, industrial and employment-oriented development across approximately 5,000 acres. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the Urban Growth Conclave 2.0 in Indore on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that cities are not merely residential centres but also key hubs of industry, trade, investment and employment. Urban development will align with future needs by integrating modern infrastructure, water security, affordable housing, and improved quality of life. The conclave provided a platform to discuss investment opportunities in urban development and infrastructure with investors. These discussions will encourage investment in the state and help achieve the objectives of the Global Investors Summit-2027.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that investments worth approximately ₹12 lakh crore have been realised on the ground in the state so far. The State Government is encouraging investment in sectors such as industrial corridors, road networks, logistics, tourism, renewable energy, water management and modern infrastructure, as well as emerging technology sectors, including semiconductors. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Madhya Pradesh is making continuous progress in investment, industry, technological advancement and employment generation to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released the draft Treated Wastewater Recycling and Reuse Policy-2026 to promote water conservation and the reuse of treated wastewater, along with the Madhya Pradesh Urban Affordable Housing and Habitat Policy-2026 to expand access to affordable housing. The state has set a target of reusing 50 per cent of treated wastewater by 2037. Financial agreements were signed for urban infrastructure projects worth ₹2,013 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund. Various MoUs will further promote industrial wastewater reuse, solid waste management and technological collaboration in urban development.

The Indore Economic Region (IER) report prepared by NITI Aayog presents a roadmap for the economic development of eight districts in the Malwa-Nimar region up to 2047. It proposes more than 60 projects related to industry, agriculture, tourism and employment. On the occasion, the sustainable development reports of the Bhopal and Indore Municipal Corporations, along with the draft Madhya Pradesh Integrated Land Development and Building Promotion Rules-2026, were also presented for public consultation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the development of Shri Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain has expanded religious tourism. With approximately seven crore people visiting Ujjain annually, economic opportunities have increased across sectors such as hospitality, transport, trade, employment and real estate. He said, referring to the Indore-Abu Dhabi flight service, that the State Government is providing support to strengthen international air connectivity. The expansion of road networks and industrial corridors will also accelerate regional economic development.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the State Government is facilitating free registration of property ownership documents for rural families. He urged investors, industrialists and real estate sector representatives to partner in Madhya Pradesh’s development journey. He said that the State Government is committed to creating a conducive environment for industry, trade, housing and modern urban development. These initiatives will boost investment, employment generation and economic activity in the state, enabling Madhya Pradesh to contribute significantly to the realisation of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited the Urban Innovation Gallery at the conclave and reviewed major urban projects in the state. He explored investment opportunities in housing, modern infrastructure, education, AI City, religious tourism, clean energy and waste management. He also experienced the Mahakal Bhasma Aarti through 6D virtual reality technology.

A special film showcasing the urban transformation underway in Madhya Pradesh was screened at the conclave. It highlighted modern transport, digital governance, housing, urban infrastructure and major development projects, along with investment opportunities and future plans in view of Simhastha-2028 and the Global Investors Summit-2027.

Urban Development and Housing Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya said that by 2047, more than 50 per cent of the country's population is expected to live in urban areas. Therefore, urbanisation must be placed at the centre of future development plans. Cities are not limited to roads, housing and drainage; they are major engines of economic growth. He said that Madhya Pradesh's cities have immense development potential, and citizens are making significant contributions through public participation.

Minister Shri Vijayvargiya said that Indore's achievements in cleanliness were the result of the active participation of citizens, along with the Municipal Corporation and administration. Through public cooperation, Indore has set an exemplary benchmark for the country and the world. Referring to initiatives undertaken during his tenure as Mayor, he said that the city had created a world record by planting 12 lakh saplings in 24 hours and had also undertaken efforts to protect them. He said that Indore is emerging as an IT hub. The city's inclusive culture and favourable environment provide people from across the country with opportunities to work and progress.

Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat said that Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is making continuous efforts to realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat. New development opportunities are being explored through Indore, which plays a significant role in the state's progress. He said that over the past three years, efforts have been made to advance Madhya Pradesh through fresh thinking, new goals and long-term development plans. The deliberations taking place in the historic city of Maa Ahilya will provide fresh momentum to the state's development.

Member of Parliament Shri Shankar Lalwani said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, a long-term roadmap is being prepared for the development of cities alongside the overall development of Madhya Pradesh. He described the recognition by NITI Aayog of the blueprint prepared earlier for Indore's development as a significant achievement. Indore's GDP is currently doubling approximately every 10 years. The target is to double it within five years in the coming period.

Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development and Housing, Shri Sanjay Dubey said that cities in Madhya Pradesh are being developed as major centres of economic activity through planned urban development, modern infrastructure and investment-friendly policies. The state aims to become a USD 2 trillion economy by 2047.

Madhya Pradesh has a road network spanning more than 5.6 lakh kilometres, 44 national highways, 22 railway junctions and eight airports. Investment worth ₹1 lakh crore each is targeted in the Jabalpur-Bhopal-Indore Industrial Corridor and the Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor. In the Gwalior Telephone Manufacturing Zone, 24 companies have made investment commitments worth ₹5,500 crore. The state currently has 123 industrial parks, with a target of developing 160 more.

Madhya Pradesh Urban Growth Conclave 2.0 is an important platform for attracting investment in urban projects, strengthening cooperation with financial institutions and increasing private-sector participation. Draft policies are being presented for public consultation at the conclave, while memorandums of understanding are being exchanged among development authorities, urban local bodies and financial institutions.

Representing the industry at the conclave, Della Townships Founder and Chairman Shri Jimmy Mistry said that the real estate and housing sectors would play a significant role in India's journey towards Viksit Bharat. Della Townships is developing 13 townships across the country, including the Della Ratapani Reserve Township near Bhopal. The project will be developed as a hub for innovation in modern lifestyles, health and sustainable development.

Specialist organisations are being engaged in master planning, mobility, health and wellness for the township's development. He said that opportunities would be explored to promote experiential hospitality, global tourism and adventure sports. This would create new opportunities for tourism, environmental conservation and sustainable development in Madhya Pradesh. Shri Mistry expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav for the opportunity to develop the project in the state.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released the Indore Economic Region (IER)-2047 Economic Plan Report, prepared under NITI Aayog's City Economic Region (CER) initiative, at the conclave.

The plan presents a long-term roadmap for developing eight districts—Indore, Ujjain, Dhar, Dewas, Ratlam, Khargone, Khandwa and Shajapur—as an integrated economic region. The IER plan aims to expand the region's current economy of USD 37.4 billion to USD 500–600 billion by 2047, generate more than 12 lakh employment opportunities and attract over USD 100 billion in private investment.

Major proposals include advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle industries, pharmaceutical and textile parks, an international food-processing hub, religious and cultural tourism circuits, knowledge and innovation centres, modern transport infrastructure and Indore Future City. The IER plan is an important document for developing the Malwa-Nimar region into one of the country's leading economic centres and achieving the goal of Viksit Madhya Pradesh @2047.

In the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, the Urban Development and Housing Department exchanged six important memorandums of understanding to promote urban infrastructure development, strengthen water supply and sewerage services, and advance sustainable urban development.

These included a bank loan arrangement worth ₹643.39 crore between the Ujjain Development Authority and Indian Overseas Bank to enhance and modernise the Ujjain temple circuit; a loan agreement worth ₹1,320.42 crore between the Indore Municipal Corporation and Bank of India for water supply and sewerage projects in Indore; and a financial arrangement worth ₹50 crore between the Rewa Municipal Corporation and HDFC Bank for implementing the Rewa water supply scheme.

A total financial arrangement of ₹2,013.81 crore has been made for these three projects. These initiatives will help provide citizens with better basic amenities and a modern urban environment.

To strengthen institutional cooperation, knowledge partnerships and capacity-building in urban development, an MoU was also signed with the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), Government of Maharashtra. Another MoU was signed with the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) to promote scientific processing of food waste, the reuse of treated water and rainwater conservation.

An MoU was also exchanged with the Department of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion to promote the incentivisation, allocation, supply and use of treated wastewater for industrial purposes. These agreements will promote urban infrastructure development, strengthen municipal services, encourage religious tourism and advance water reuse and conservation in the state.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and other dignitaries presented three draft policies for public consultation at the conclave to make urban development more inclusive, planned and sustainable. The Madhya Pradesh Urban Affordable Housing and Habitat Policy, 2026, aims to increase the availability of affordable housing in urban areas, encourage private investment, promote rental housing and in-situ redevelopment, and ensure effective utilisation of government land. Under the Madhya Pradesh Treated Wastewater Recycling and Reuse Policy, 2026, the reuse of treated wastewater will be encouraged for industrial, construction, horticultural, landscaping and other non-potable purposes. This will help reduce dependence on freshwater sources and strengthen water security.

The Madhya Pradesh Unified Land Development and Building Promotion Rules-2026 aim to simplify and standardise provisions related to land development and building construction, while streamlining approval procedures. The rules will also promote mixed land use, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), densification, Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and green buildings.

These draft policies will help increase affordable housing availability, improve water resource utilisation and promote planned and sustainable urban development across the state.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reports (BRSR) of the Bhopal and Indore Municipal Corporations at the conclave. The Bhopal Municipal Corporation's report highlights initiatives and achievements in waste management, efficient resource utilisation, promotion of renewable energy and urban governance. The Indore Municipal Corporation's report outlines initiatives undertaken for sustainable development, environmental protection and improved urban governance practices. Both reports showcase efforts being made to promote urban development while protecting the environment.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav held one-to-one discussions with various industrialists and investors at the conclave. The discussions covered investment and expansion opportunities in urban development, modern townships, renewable energy, tourism, digital technology and infrastructure.

Della Group Founder and CMD Shri Jimmy Mistry held a one-to-one meeting with Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. Discussions focused on the proposed Della Racecourse project, involving an investment of ₹2,250 crore across 220 acres in Bhopal. The project envisages luxury villas, branded residences, a five-star wildlife resort, and facilities for horse riding and polo.

Discussions with Shri Lokesh Kumar Jinagar focused on expanding solar and wind energy projects. Opportunities for floating solar technology and solar power generation on reservoirs were explored with Shri Rahul Mishra of Sungrow FPV and Shri Pankaj Kumar of Quant Solar. Discussions with Shri Sandeep Kashyap of Purvah Green Power centred on solar-wind hybrid projects, while those with Shri Shantanu Sharma of Medulla Soft focused on smart traffic management and advanced transport technologies.

Discussions with Puravankara Limited CEO Shri Mallanna Sasalu and Classic Group Managing Director Shri Sandeep Shrivastava focused on residential and commercial projects and planned urban development. With Shri Rakesh Dosi, Chief Business and Product Officer of Protean eGov Technologies, discussions centred on digital public infrastructure and citizen-centric digital services. Opportunities to expand tourism facilities, develop new tourism circuits and promote experiential tourism were discussed with Shri Dharmveer Singh Chauhan of Zostel.

Discussions with NeerCare India Limited CMD Shri Neeraj Shrivastava covered water and wastewater management, recycling and waste-to-energy generation. Electric mobility and technology-based solutions were discussed with Shri Anuj Kumar, Co-founder and Director of Voltaris EV Solution. Modern architecture, residential and commercial design, and opportunities for the company's expansion in Indore were discussed with Shri Blaine Robert, Founder and Design Director of Blaine Robert Design.

Discussions with Siel & Terre Managing Director and CEO Shri Deepak Usha Devi focused on floating solar technology and opportunities to expand the Omkareshwar solar project. Shri Rajesh Joldev, Chief Commercial Officer of Sembcorp Green Infra Limited, discussed investment and expansion opportunities in solar and wind energy projects. The company operates a 40 MW project in Agar Malwa district of Madhya Pradesh.

Shri Satyajit Nimbalkar, CEO of Longspan Structures Private Limited, discussed the use of UHPFRC technology in the state, expansion of precast infrastructure and the promotion of modern, durable technologies in road and highway construction. Discussions were also held with NITI Aayog Principal Adviser Ms. Anna Roy regarding the IER report and with Shri Abhimanyu Rajvanshi, Assistant Vice President of Welspun World.

A Solar Round Table was organised as part of the conclave, with more than 20 investors participating. Discussions focused on the use of solar energy in urban local bodies, reducing electricity expenditure and mobilising financial resources.

Additional Chief Secretary Shri Dubey emphasised the adoption of innovative models. Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Managing Director Shri Manjeet Singh presented a proposal for a 200 MW floating solar project and battery energy storage system at Birsinghpur. The project, estimated to cost approximately ₹1,564 crore, aims to supply solar power to urban local bodies and ensure electricity supply for up to two hours during the evening through battery storage. The meeting also discussed raising financial resources for approximately 200 urban local bodies through pooled municipal bonds. Commissioner, Urban Development and Housing, Shri Sanket Bhondve said that integrating solar energy with financial innovations would promote energy efficiency and sustainable urban development.

Investment opportunities were showcased at the conclave through major urban projects across the state.These included the redevelopment of approximately 4,600 housing units in Bhopal's Tortoise City; modernisation of Central Vista and the State Capital Complex; development of the Hukumchand Mill land in Indore; the proposed Education, Knowledge and AI City at Bhauri in Bhopal; development of 11 major temple complexes in Ujjain; and the integrated temple tourism development project in Chitrakoot.

Other projects on display included a 200 MW floating solar project and battery energy storage system at Birsinghpur, an in-situ redevelopment project involving 21,255 EWS housing units in Bhopal, and proposed compressed biogas plants in five cities.

These projects are expected to create investment and employment opportunities across planned urban development, modern residential and administrative infrastructure, education and innovation, religious tourism, clean energy and scientific waste management.