Bhopal: Road Infra Remains Poor, Even In City’s High Tax-Paying Areas

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has collected a staggering Rs 568.43 crore in property taxes within just four months, issuing over 86,000 receipts across 21 zones.

Despite this impressive revenue, basic civic amenities such as road infrastructure remain severely lacking even in the city’s highest tax-paying zones.

Zone 13 has emerged as the top contributor, generating over Rs 78.94 crore, with Ward 85 alone accounting for Rs 35.47 crore, the highest among all wards. 

Yet, roads in areas such as Danish Kunj and Gujrati Colony are in dismal condition. Residents complain that one spell of rainfall leaves these roads waterlogged.

Likewise, Zone 6, Ward 51, which contributed over Rs 1 crore from the bustling MP Nagar Zone-2, continues to struggle with road maintenance. 

Even the posh localities of the city, such as Arera Colony E-4, E-2, and 10 No. Market area, known for their high tax contributions, are riddled with potholes.

In stark contrast, Zone 18’s Ward 83, which collected only Rs 1.5 crore, has relatively better roads. This disparity in infrastructure quality has left residents of higher-paying areas frustrated.

Shila Rambabu Patidar, Councillor of Ward 85, admitted that while a Rs 4.88 crore tender was issued to repair the Hoshangabad service road, the work is pending due to contractor issues and the ongoing monsoon.

BMC Superintendent Engineer Subodh Jain stated that road repair work is currently underway across all 21 zones. 

Top 5 Zones in Property Tax Collection – FY 2025–26 (Till July 25)

Zone 13 – Rs 78.94 crore

Zone 15 – Rs 48.59 crore

Zone 18 – Rs 44.61 crore

Zone 21 – Rs 42.25 crore

Zone 20 – Rs 13.67 crore