Bhopal’s Timber Market sits as ‘powder keg’ in city’s heart:₹5.85 crore spent, 18-acre relocation site ready, yet shifting stalled for 18 months

A massive fire broke out on Sunday night at Bhopal’s Timber Market, located in the heart of the city. Several sawmills were destroyed and goods worth more than Rs 2.5 crore were lost. The market, which has 108 saw machines, has long been considered a major fire hazard. Despite plans to shift it 18 months ago for metro construction and safety reasons, the relocation project has moved at a snail’s pace. Fire destroys 5–6 sawmills The fire started late Sunday night and quickly spread through the crowded Timber Market area. At least five to six sawmills were completely gutted. Thick flames and smoke were visible from a distance. The estimated loss is over Rs 2.5 crore. The market is close to a railway track, forcing trains to pass cautiously while the main road was closed for safety. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours before it was brought under control. See 3 pictures of the fire at Timber Market Frequent fire incidents, yet no action This was not the first major fire at the Timber Market. Similar incidents have been reported almost every year. In 2016, a massive blaze took 36 fire tenders and four hours to control. Another fire broke out last year as well. Despite repeated incidents and official warnings, the sawmills have not been relocated. Authorities continue to delay the move, even as the risk to nearby residents grows. 48-year-old market awaits relocation The Timber Market has been operating for nearly 48 years. Over time, residential areas have developed around it. The location has now become a serious safety concern. Under the Bhopal Metro project, the market is supposed to be moved to Chhota Ratibad, around 30 km away. The land for relocation covers 18 acres, and Rs 5.85 crore has already been provided for infrastructure work like roads, water supply, and electricity. However, progress has been extremely slow. Construction of a water tank and road base has only just begun. The work, initially targeted for completion in September, is now expected to take at least six more months. Long history of delays Efforts to shift the Timber Market have been ongoing since 2007 — nearly 18 years. Before Chhota Ratibad, authorities had considered several locations including Kabadi Khana, Aishbagh Stadium area, Govindpura, Transport Nagar, and Chandpur, but none were finalised. Two years ago, operators were officially given the option to move to Chhota Ratibad. Most gave written consent agreeing to shift once basic facilities were ready. The land was handed to the District Industries Centre, and later tenders were issued by the MSME Department. Even now, development work remains incomplete, leaving the project in limbo. Metro work stuck due to timber market The Timber Market is also delaying the second phase of Bhopal Metro’s Orange Line between Subhash Nagar and Karond. The 14.99 km metro route from AIIMS to Karond has been divided into two phases. While the first 6.22 km section between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar is ready, the second 8.77 km underground stretch cannot begin until 46 of the 108 saw machines are shifted. This has stalled progress on the metro’s underground route. Collector promises faster relocation After Sunday night’s fire, Bhopal Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh visited the site. He said the land at Chhota Ratibad is being developed and promised that the relocation will now be completed soon. Officials admitted that the delay in providing basic infrastructure has been the main reason for the project’s slow pace. Meanwhile, people living nearby remain worried as another fire could break out anytime. ​