Shifting Bhopal Collectorate To Professor Colony Could Spark Parking Chaos, Warn Architects

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Architects have raised concern over the potential parking problems that could arise if the Bhopal Collectorate is shifted from the Old Secretariat to Professor Colony. They warn that the area could face similar parking chaos as New Market, which is currently grappling with parking congestion.

New Market, originally developed as the city’s Central Business District (CBD), has been the focal point of Bhopal’s commercial and business activities. However, it now struggles with severe parking issues, which discourage visitors and often lead to disputes between shoppers and parking attendants.

Architects have suggested that instead of relocating to Professor Colony, the existing site at the Old Secretariat, which spans over 4 hectares (10 acres), could be re-densified. They say that the shift to a new location may not be necessary, especially with the growing trend of online work culture in administration and professional sectors, reducing the need for physical proximity.

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"We have seen the plight of New Market, which was developed as a CBD, due to its parking problem. The same will happen with Professor Colony if the Bhopal Collectorate is shifted from the Old Secretariat. With the CM House, Boat Club, and Bharat Bhavan in close proximity, people will face parking issues in and around Professor Colony if this shifting plan is executed."

KK Dhote, MANIT Professor (Architecture)

"When online work culture has become a part of administration and profession, close proximity is not needed. Moreover, there is enough space at the Old Secretariat where a high-rise building can be constructed at the backside while maintaining the heritage beauty of the Old Secretariat. Parking problems will arise in and around Professor Colony if the Collectorate is shifted."

SM Hussain, Architect