How to Cite
Kumar, G., Vyas, D. S., Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, D. K. (2021). Planning and Development of Housing in Urban Fringe Area: Case of Bhopal (M.P.). GIS Business, 18(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.26643/gis/1
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Authors
Gopal Kumar, Dr. Supriya Vyas, Shashikant Nishant Sharma, Dr. Kavita Dehalwar
Department of Architecture and Planning,
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, India
Abstract
India is experiencing rapid population growth, accompanied by increasing urbanisation driven by improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, and migration. As cities expand, pressure on land and housing availability within urban cores has intensified, leading to a growing housing shortage. Consequently, a significant portion of urban growth is now occurring in the fringe or peri-urban areas of cities.
This study examines the planning and development of housing in the urban fringe areas of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Through literature review, policy analysis, field surveys, and case-based assessment, the paper explores housing demand, spatial growth trends, infrastructure challenges, and the potential of peri-urban areas to accommodate affordable and planned housing. The research highlights the role of government initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and evaluates opportunities for sustainable housing development in fringe areas. The paper concludes with planning insights and policy recommendations for managing urban expansion and meeting future housing demand in Bhopal.
1. Introduction
Bhopal, with a population exceeding 18 lakh (Census 2011), has experienced rapid spatial expansion over recent decades. Limited land availability, rising land prices, and congestion in the city core have resulted in a growing housing crisis. As a response, residential development has increasingly shifted towards the urban fringe areas, where land is relatively affordable and more readily available.
Urban fringe areas play a crucial role in accommodating future population growth and housing demand. However, these areas often lack adequate infrastructure, basic services, and effective planning control. Unregulated development has led to informal housing, poor connectivity, and uneven access to amenities.
The Government of India has introduced several housing and infrastructure initiatives, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Smart Cities Mission, and the National Rurban Mission, to address housing shortages and improve living conditions. PMAY aims to provide affordable housing for all, offering interest subsidies, extended loan tenures, and inclusion of middle-income groups. While these schemes have boosted housing supply, gaps remain between policy intent and on-ground implementation, particularly in peri-urban areas.
This study focuses on understanding housing development patterns in the urban fringe of Bhopal and explores planning strategies to ensure sustainable, affordable, and inclusive housing development.
2. Urban Growth and Fringe Development in Bhopal
The spatial expansion of Bhopal has historically followed transport corridors and areas with favourable topography. The southeastern part of the city, particularly along Hoshangabad Road, has emerged as a major growth corridor due to better accessibility, employment opportunities, and land availability.
Urban fringe areas are characterised by mixed land use patterns, transitional rural-urban characteristics, and fragmented governance. These areas typically experience rapid land use conversion from agricultural or rural uses to residential and commercial development, often without adequate infrastructure provision.
Migration, natural population growth, and rising housing demand have contributed significantly to fringe expansion. While fringe areas offer affordable housing opportunities and proximity to natural surroundings, they also face challenges such as poor public transport, limited social infrastructure, and high dependence on private vehicles.
3. Survey Findings and Population Trends
Primary data collected through household surveys in fringe locations reveal key commuting and lifestyle patterns. A significant proportion of residents travel daily to the city core for employment, often spending considerable time commuting due to inadequate public transport options.
Population projection analysis indicates that Bhopal’s growth rate is higher than both state and national averages. Future population estimates using arithmetic, geometric, incremental increase, and shift-and-share methods suggest a population range of approximately 28 to 36 lakh by 2031. This projected growth highlights the urgent need for planned housing and infrastructure development, particularly in peri-urban areas.
Low gross population density within the municipal area is influenced by natural constraints such as hills, forests, and water bodies. However, developed urban areas exhibit significantly higher densities, reinforcing the need for well-planned expansion zones beyond the city core.
4. Housing Affordability and Government Support
Affordable housing schemes, particularly under PMAY and the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), have improved access to housing finance for economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-income households. Interest subsidies, longer loan tenures, and carpet-area-based housing norms have made home ownership more accessible.
Despite these initiatives, peri-urban housing development often faces challenges related to land acquisition, infrastructure financing, and coordination between multiple agencies. Addressing these issues is critical to fully leverage government support mechanisms.
5. Characteristics of Urban Fringe Areas
Urban fringe areas represent transitional zones between urban cores and rural hinterlands. These areas typically exhibit low-density development, scattered settlements, and emerging activity nodes along transport corridors.
Merits of Fringe Areas
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Affordable land and housing options
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Lower congestion and pollution
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Availability of larger dwelling units
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Proximity to natural and open spaces
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Potential for planned, community-oriented development
Demerits of Fringe Areas
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Lack of basic infrastructure and services
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Inadequate public transport connectivity
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Limited social amenities such as healthcare and education
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Higher dependence on private vehicles
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Risk of unplanned urban sprawl
A SWOT analysis reveals that while fringe areas offer strong opportunities for affordable and sustainable housing, weaknesses such as poor infrastructure and regulatory gaps must be addressed through proactive planning and governance.
6. Discussion
The findings indicate a clear mismatch between rapid housing demand and infrastructure provision in peri-urban Bhopal. While land availability and affordability make fringe areas attractive for housing development, inadequate planning and fragmented institutional frameworks hinder sustainable growth.
Integrated land-use planning, improved public transport connectivity, phased infrastructure development, and stronger coordination between urban and rural authorities are essential to manage fringe expansion effectively.
7. Conclusion
Urban fringe areas hold significant potential for addressing housing shortages in rapidly growing cities like Bhopal. With rising population pressure and limited inner-city land availability, peri-urban regions are becoming the primary frontier for residential development.
This study highlights the need for planned housing development in fringe areas supported by adequate infrastructure, policy alignment, and institutional coordination. Government initiatives such as PMAY provide a strong foundation, but effective implementation at the local level is crucial.
Strategic planning and sustainable development of urban fringe areas can ensure affordable housing, improved quality of life, and balanced urban growth for the future of Bhopal.
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