Real estate is more than just construction—it’s about building communities, preserving heritage, and preparing for the future. This vision was eloquently captured in a recent conversation hosted by NEWS24 with Mr. Vinay Vindhyachal, Promoter of Aashiyana Greens, a prominent member of the Indian-American Chamber of Commerce, and a pioneer in sustainable real estate development. Recognized as one of Bhojpur’s “Top Personalities” for shaping the future of Madhya Pradesh (M.P.), Mr. Vindhyachal shared his insights into the burgeoning potential of Bhojpur, Obaidullaganj, and Raisen districts.
In this thought-provoking discussion, Mr. Vindhyachal highlighted the unique opportunities presented by the integration of Bhojpur into the SCR (State Capital Region), the growing importance of decentralizing urban development, and the cultural significance of this region. He also offered a glimpse into his innovative projects like Aashiyana Greens, which aim to balance rural aspirations with world-class infrastructure.
Below is the conversation between the Speaker and Mr. Vinay Vindhyachal, showcasing their insights into the future of real estate in Madhya Pradesh.
The Conversation
Speaker:
When we talk about development, it becomes a crucial topic, especially when we are on a platform dedicated to ‘The Future of Madhya Pradesh – Bhojpur.’ Bhojpur is a region connected to the capital city, Bhopal, based on its urban structure and proximity.
Sir, my first question is simple. You have lived and worked in India and abroad, and your qualifications, along with your membership in organizations like the Indian-American Chamber of Commerce and Green Building Concept, set you apart. Your business is deeply connected to both domestic and international markets. How do you see the future of Bhojpur? That’s my first question.
Vinay Vindhyachal:
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to NEWS24 and Lalluram.com. Congratulations and best wishes to you for taking this wonderful initiative.
Let me start with Bhojpur itself. Recently, you must have heard that it has been included in the SCR (State Capital Region). This inclusion opens up numerous possibilities and funding opportunities. For example, Delhi was once just a city, but later, it became the NCR.
Similarly, the SCR has now been formed, extending up to Mandideep. Many areas of Bhojpur are now covered under this region. Naturally, this will bring significant funding opportunities. I’ll give you another interesting fact—according to 2022 data, Obaidullaganj ranked as one of the most progressive towns in India. These are crucial indicators that real estate developers must carefully consider.
Another important point is the cultural heritage of the Bhojpur region. You have treasures like Bhimbetka, Bhojpur Temple, and other landmarks. These deserve to be brought onto the global stage.
There’s a saying in English—‘If your mind doesn’t know, your eyes don’t see.’ So, it’s essential to showcase these unique aspects of Bhojpur to the world.
Now, speaking from my personal and professional experience, I believe that a certain percentage of people prefer to live near cities but don’t want to shift entirely into urban areas. In Bhojpur, many people are connected to rural employment or self-employment. They don’t find any significant advantage in moving to Bhopal.
If we only focus on attracting them toward the city through housing projects, it puts pressure on urban resources and disrupts their personal lives. As developers, we need to work alongside the government to address these challenges. Developing better transportation systems and new highways is essential.
By doing so, we can provide these communities with world-class housing options close to their roots without disturbing their way of life. Given India’s growing population, decentralizing urban infrastructure and services is critical. This approach will pave the way for comprehensive regional development.
Speaker:
Sir, you’ve made an excellent point about balancing population growth and development planning. We often hear about regional plans, master plans, and TMCPs. But before we get into technicalities, I’d like to know if you have any ongoing or upcoming real estate projects in Bhojpur, Bhopal, or M.P.
Vinay Vindhyachal:
Yes, absolutely. We’ve already initiated a project called Aashiyana Greens. Let me share its story—it was back in 2018 when we planned to launch Aashiyana Green City near the Tamot area.
At that time, all technical indicators were against us. Everyone believed that venturing into a remote area like this would be financially unviable and impractical from a business perspective.
However, I strongly believe that rural communities aspire for better amenities and improved lifestyles, but they don’t want to leave their roots. Understanding these aspirations, we decided to take the risk and develop a modern colony in a remote area.
In just four years, the project not only succeeded but doubled in growth. Now, three to four more projects are coming up in the region. Thanks to the love and support of the people, Aashiyana Greens has been welcomed as a viable and affordable housing option. It’s a win-win for both development and the community.
Speaker:
Sir, when we talk about construction agencies like BDA and Housing Boards, or even master plans, we notice a shift toward horizontal expansion rather than vertical development. High-rise buildings are mostly seen in major urban centers. Is this approach suitable for Madhya Pradesh? Or should we look at vertical development like Noida, Mumbai, or Bengaluru?
Vinay Vindhyachal:
You’ve asked a very sensitive question, and it’s difficult to provide a general answer. My view is that vertical planning should only be pursued after conducting thorough studies of specific regions and their populations.
You mentioned Noida, Gurgaon, and Mumbai. These regions didn’t adopt FAR (Floor Area Ratio) policies overnight. It took time and a systematic process for them to get there.
For instance, the current FAR in our general residential areas is around 1.25, and for commercial areas, it’s between 2.5 and 3. Now imagine jumping to 7 FAR in areas like Obaidullaganj. What about its horizontal development needs? Would it not create bottlenecks in its growth?
For Bhopal, this kind of policy can be beneficial. It provides affordable housing options and boosts builders’ prospects. But applying the same policies to rural areas might turn into a curse. I believe any such plan must be region-specific and based on calculated studies. I trust that when the government implements these plans, they’ll consider these factors.
Speaker:
Sir, the metro project in Obaidullaganj is another topic of discussion. As we know, metro systems are not just about transportation—they are tied to the development of surrounding areas. What’s your take on this?
Vinay Vindhyachal:
The metro isn’t just a means of commuting; it’s a catalyst for regional development. However, policies like TDR (Transferable Development Rights) and TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) must be implemented wisely.
In cities like Bhopal, these policies can be transformative. But when it comes to smaller towns like Obaidullaganj, these same policies could have unintended consequences if not carefully studied. This is why planning must be done with depth and a region-specific approach.
Speaker:
You’re also a member of the Green Building Concept. What does this concept mean, and how important is it for Madhya Pradesh?
Vinay Vindhyachal:
The Green Building Concept aims to reduce the harmful effects of construction on the ecosystem. It promotes practices like rainwater harvesting, renewable energy, recyclable materials, and low-water plants.
The goal is to minimize the environmental impact of construction activities.
Green buildings are the way forward and will play a vital role in shaping sustainable infrastructure in India.
Speaker:
Finally, sir, as a member of the India-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), how do you see Madhya Pradesh positioning itself for investment?
Vinay Vindhyachal:
The IACC is a platform that bridges the gap between demand and supply. It promotes economic activities between India and the U.S., and even globally.
Madhya Pradesh has immense potential for investment, but we need to showcase our strengths on a global stage.
When leaders personally advocate for the state’s uniqueness and opportunities, it creates a stronger impact. I hope these efforts lead to positive results soon because M.P. is still lagging in attracting significant investments despite its potential.
Read More: Investing In Tomorrow- A Guide To Investing In Bhopal’s Promising Real Estate Hotspots
A Vision for the Future
This conversation sheds light on the transformative potential of regions like Bhojpur and Obaidullaganj in Madhya Pradesh. With strategic planning, cultural preservation, and sustainable development at its core, Mr. Vindhyachal envisions a future where rural and urban aspirations converge seamlessly.
His work reminds us that real estate is not just about building structures; it’s about building lives, preserving heritage, and creating a legacy for future generations. Bhojpur is not just a region on the map—it’s a gateway to progress, culture, and sustainable growth.
