Bhopal’s Western Bypass design to change after MLA objection

The proposed design of Bhopal’s Western Bypass is set to be changed following objections raised by Huzur MLA Rameshwar Sharma, with officials now working on modifications aimed at reducing the acquisition of government land and avoiding a substantial compensation burden.

The proposed bypass design had been finalised a few days ago, following inspections by officials and public representatives. However, during the inspection, it emerged that the existing alignment of the bypass would affect around 125 acres of Government land. Officials are now examining whether a minor modification in the proposed alignment can help save not only valuable Government land but also a compensation amount estimated at nearly Rs 20 crore.

MLA Rameshwar Sharma had raised objections regarding the design, stating that changes could help provide a more convenient and smoother route for the public. Following his objection, agencies associated with the project have started work on redesigning the Western Bypass.

Officials have also begun efforts to address a technical issue identified before construction work begins. The administration is examining the proposed changes with the objective of preventing unnecessary expenditure from the Government treasury while also resolving issues related to private land acquisition.

According to the plan, the Western Bypass will provide an alternative route for vehicles travelling from Jabalpur and Betul towards Indore, reducing the need for such vehicles to enter Bhopal city. The proposed four-lane bypass will be around 31.61 km long and will begin from the Misrod-Ratanpur Road before passing through areas including Kolar, Ratibad and Phanda Kalan and connecting towards the Bhopal-Dewas Road.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 3,225.51 crore. The proposed bypass will pass through a total of 23 villages in Bhopal district.

The land acquisition process for the project has already begun. Officials have indicated that the land acquisition process will be completed under the prescribed provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, including the process under Sections 19 and 21, after which compensation will be paid to affected landowners. Officials are now working on the revised design and alignment.

The administration has directed the concerned department and agencies to complete the paperwork and alignment modification process on time so that the land acquisition process can be completed and construction of the Western Bypass can begin by September or October.  The Western Bypass is expected to reduce the movement of heavy vehicles through Bhopal city and ease traffic congestion.

The proposed alignment and design changes are therefore being examined with the aim of balancing the project’s connectivity objectives with the need to minimise land acquisition and Government expenditure.