From employment to road safety, city’s pending projects fail women on ground

Bhopal: Several initiatives announced in city in recent years for supporting women against structural and systemic issues, including a foot-over bridge near MLB Girls College at Polytechnic Square, remain pending.On Women's Day, these incomplete initiatives—from housing schemes to road safety upgrades—highlight the gap between promises of safety and empowerment and the realities women still navigate daily.Yet, several high-profile initiatives have failed to move beyond symbolism, exposing gaps in planning, execution and accountability. And Women's Day in Bhopal has often been marked by ambitious announcements aimed at empowering women. Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) leader of opposition Sabista Zaki said several projects announced in 2023 have either been abandoned midway or failed to take off. She pointed to the much-publicized Mahila Market, a proposed She-lounge, women-only community bhawans, and Mahali Park—similar to the one at Kilol Park that remains poorly maintained—as well as the foot-over bridge near MLB College, all of which remain incomplete. When contacted, Bhopal mayor Malti Rai was not reachable.BRTS Gone, Safety Pending: Girls College Foot-over Bridge Still on PaperThe removal of Bhopal's BRTS corridor left students at MLB Girls' College navigating heavy traffic without added safeguards. A CSR-backed foot-over bridge was announced in 2023 but has yet to be built, leaving basic measures like zebra crossings or speed breakers absent. "The road does not even have a zebra crossing line or a speed breaker that at least reduces some risk," said a student who wished to remain anonymous.2017 Concept Remains A Concept?The concept of a She Lounge was first introduced in 2017 under urban development plans, envisioned as a safe, women-only recreational space with dedicated amenities. While located in prime commercial areas, the spaces have largely been absorbed for their commercial value, diluting the original intent of exclusivity for women in the city. In Jan 2026, city bus service tweaked the scheme to expand to 10 more locations, but as a revenue-boosting measure after the rollout of electric buses this year.Women's Markets, Hawkers' Corner Closed Around 2021, Mahila Hawkers' Corner, a pioneering space for women to sell their products to women was launched. One such space is opposite Nutan College, which remains closed. The initiative was hailed as a step toward bridging the gender gap. Yet, within months, the corner shut down due to lack of resources, failing to achieve its intended purpose.Pari Bazaar Revival In Limbo For Permanent OpsThe idea of reviving Pari Bazaar was presented as a women-focused marketplace, drawing on the Nawabi-era tradition of exclusive spaces for women. Proposed near Kamla Park and other areas, it was promoted as a platform for women entrepreneurs and as a cultural revival. While it did attract attention during festival events, it has not yet developed into a permanent marketplace.Half-Built Housing & Healthcare InitiativesBeyond markets and recreation, several housing schemes under "Housing for All" remain unfinished, leaving colonies half-built and families—especially women-headed households—without secure shelter.Transport Safety Beyond MLB Also PendingAfter the dismantling of the BRTS corridor, authorities pledged safer bus stops and better pedestrian facilities. Many bus stops remain poorly lit and lack basic safety features, leaving women commuters vulnerable during evening travel. Street lights in several stretches remain non-functional, creating dark spots that heighten security concerns for women navigating the city after dusk.