Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Emphasising the importance of planning to achieve the ambitious goal of placing Indore among the country’s top 10 cities, principal secretary, urban and housing development, Sanjay Shukla said here on Thursday that significant steps should be taken to elevate Indore’s position. He was speaking at a high-level meeting that he chaired at the Indore Development Authority (IDA) office to review its ongoing projects and outlined future initiatives to bolster the city’s growth.

The review meeting focused on both current progress and upcoming plans. Highlighting the city’s immense potential, he said, “Indore is a major economic hub of Madhya Pradesh. We have deliberated on ways to take its economy to the next level. We also have to work so that the city figures among the top 10 cities of India.”

Key discussions revolved around strategies for urban development, including improvements in education, healthcare, transportation and infrastructure. Shukla stressed the need for innovative traffic management solutions, particularly along AB Road, to ensure smooth connectivity and sustainable growth. Employment generation was also a crucial point of discussion. Shukla urged the IDA to design projects that would create new job opportunities across sectors, thereby strengthening the city’s economy.

He said, “Indore is a business hub and enhancing its role as an economic ‘powerhouse’ requires policy changes that promote investments and entrepreneurship.” He also directed officials to showcase key properties of the IDA at the upcoming Bhopal Investors’ Summit to attract investments.

IDA CEO RP Ahirwar presented a detailed account of the authority’s ongoing projects, while senior officials discussed potential initiatives. The meeting also underlined the importance of aligning the city’s development plans with broader economic objectives.

Divisional commissioner and IDA chairperson Deepak Singh, collector Asheesh Singh, municipal commissioner Shivam Verma, Indore Smart City CEO Divyank Singh and senior architects, including Hitendra Mehta and others attended the meeting.