Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is grappling with a persistent challenge — selling over 1,000 commercial properties scattered across the city. Despite multiple attempts and auctions every 5–6 months, the properties, which include shops, plots and commercial halls, continue to remain unsold and underutilised.
As per estimates from BMC’s revenue department, 1,059 properties remain unsold, with a collective market value pegged between ₹300 and ₹400 crore. Many of these assets are situated in key commercial zones such as Bairagarh, Nadra Bus Stand, MP Nagar, Kokta Transport Nagar and New Market. Yet, encroachments and limited investor interest are proving to be major obstacles.
Several of these commercial units, built on a 30-year lease model, have stood vacant for years. Locations like the old city junkyard, Bairagarh multi-level parking and commercial complexes near Bairagarh Naka and Nadra Bus Stand have a significant number of unoccupied shops.
What MIC member says…
Mayor-In-Council (MIC) member Chhaya Thakur told Free Press that most of these properties have been developed recently. She clarified that delays are not due to legal disputes but are instead caused by a lack of competitive bidding.
“Selling corporation properties involves a process. Often, there is only one bidder for a particular property, and in such cases, the sale gets cancelled,” Thakur said.
Unsold Assets
* 73 shops in Bal Vihar
* 62 shops at Putli Ghar Bus Stand
* 55 shops at Berasia Bus Stand
* 54 shops at Nadra Bus Stand
* 70 shops at Laxmi Talkies
* Hundreds of shops in Bairagarh, Shahjahanabad, Kolar, Jahangirabad and New Market
* 147 plots in D Sector; 88 plots in A, B and C Sectors
* 87 plots in Kokta Transport Nagar
