Bhopal Tax Revenue Surges but Road Infrastructure Lags Behind

Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reported a remarkable collection of Rs 568.43 crore in property taxes within the first four months of the fiscal year. Despite this significant revenue generation, residents in high tax-paying areas express frustration over the state of basic civic amenities, particularly road infrastructure.

The data reveals that BMC issued over 86,000 receipts across 21 zones, with Zone 13 leading the way by contributing more than Rs 78.94 crore. Within this zone, Ward 85 stands out, generating Rs 35.47 crore, the highest amount recorded among all wards. Despite these financial contributions, roads in areas such as Danish Kunj and Gujrati Colony remain in poor condition, often becoming waterlogged after rainfall.

In addition, Zone 6, which includes Ward 51 from the bustling MP Nagar Zone-2, reported over Rs 1 crore in tax contributions but continues to face challenges with road maintenance. Even upscale neighborhoods, such as Arera Colony E-4 and E-2, as well as the 10 No. Market area, known for their high tax payments, are marred by potholes.

Disparities in Road Quality Highlight Frustrations

Interestingly, Zone 18’s Ward 83, which collected only Rs 1.5 crore, boasts relatively better road conditions. This discrepancy in infrastructure quality has heightened frustrations among residents in higher-paying areas. Shila Rambabu Patidar, Councillor of Ward 85, acknowledged the situation, stating that a Rs 4.88 crore tender had been issued to repair the Hoshangabad service road. Unfortunately, the project remains stalled due to contractor issues and the ongoing monsoon season.

BMC’s Superintendent Engineer, Subodh Jain, provided an update on the situation, confirming that road repair work is currently underway across all 21 zones. He emphasized that the corporation is committed to improving road conditions, despite the challenges posed by weather and contractor performance.

Top Contributors to Property Tax Collection

The top five zones in property tax collection as of July 25, 2025, are as follows:

– 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

As Bhopal continues to generate substantial tax revenue, the pressing need for infrastructure improvements remains a significant concern for residents. The BMC faces mounting pressure to address these civic issues and ensure that all areas of the city benefit from the taxes they contribute.