Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Major roadside redevelopment projects are underway in over 15 areas of the city ahead of the Global Investors’ Summit (GIS) 2025, and experts are raising concerns about the quality and longevity of the work. They say the installation of paver blocks at many sites does not conform to standard architectural guidelines.
Among the key roads undergoing redevelopment are the Raj Bhawan Road, the Jail Road, the Chunabhatti Square, the Polytechnic Square, the Link Road-1, and the New Market Road where paver blocks are being installed.
However, in several areas, including near Raj Bhawan and the district jail, these blocks are being laid over a concrete base, which goes against the construction norms. Additionally, edge pavers block , which are crucial in securing paver blocks by locking the edges, are not being put at multiple sites.
Instead, the blocks are being held together merely with concrete around the edges, which, experts say, can compromise durability. Savita Raje, Chairperson of the Indian Society of Landscape Architects, said to Free Press, “Paver blocks should never be installed over a concrete base and must have proper edge members for structural integrity.” She added that the blocks should be 10-12 centimetres above the road level and they are not suitable for heavy vehicle movement.
‘Edge block not significant requirement’
The Public Works Department (PWD) is overseeing paver block installation in nine areas, PWD Chief Engineer Sanjay Maske told Free Press. However, downplaying the necessity of edge pavers block , he said they were not a significant requirement. Reacting to these concerns, Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai assured that she would look into the ongoing construction work to ensure proper execution and adherence to standards.
