Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled the prototype coach for the eagerly anticipated Bhopal-Indore Metro project, signifying a significant step towards the forthcoming trial run scheduled to commence by September 2023. The unveiling of the model coach took place in Bhopal, marking a crucial milestone in the implementation of this transformative infrastructure endeavor.
With the Union government’s nod granted almost five years ago, the metro rail projects in Bhopal and Indore are now on the cusp of realizing their trial operations, anticipated to initiate by September this year. The official launch of metro services is projected to take place by April-May of the following year.
Against this backdrop, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan revealed the inaugural prototype train of the Bhopal-Indore metro ventures. The ceremony unfolded at the smart park located in Shyamla Hills, wherein the model metro coach was made accessible to the general public.
Addressing the significance of the metro initiative, CM Shivraj described it as a “necessity” that has the potential to revolutionize travel by minimizing commute times and ensuring a comfortable journey for commuters.
The Bhopal-Indore Metro projects are steered by the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Company Limited (MPMRCL), an equitable partnership between the Central Government and the State Government.
Focusing on the specifics, the Bhopal Metro comprises two corridors encompassing a total distance of 31 kilometers. The project is divided into the Orange and Blue lines, both designed to provide efficient connectivity to key areas of the city. The Orange line, stretching over 16.74 kilometers, will connect Karond Circle to AIIMS with a mix of underground and elevated sections. The Blue line, spanning 14.16 kilometers, will link Ratnagiri Tiraha to Bhadbhada Square through an entirely elevated route.
As part of the initial phase, the trial run for the 5-kilometer stretch between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar is set to commence by September this year. Notably, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced plans for extending the Bhopal Metro to Mandideep and subsequently to Sehore via Bairagarh—a significant step to enhance connectivity.
Similarly, the Indore Metro, approved by the Union Cabinet in October 2018, is aimed at connecting pivotal public nodes and urban clusters within the city. The Yellow Line, spanning 31.3 kilometers, encompasses an underground section of 8.7 kilometers and an elevated track. The project targets to establish a 6-kilometer stretch from Gandhi Nagar to Super Corridor 03 by June 2024, with the trial run scheduled to begin in September 2023.
Remarkably, both the Bhopal and Indore Metro systems are initially slated to deploy three-coach trainsets, with an impressive peak-hour frequency of two minutes. These coaches boast ample space, accommodating around 50 seated passengers and approximately 300 standing passengers.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s unveiling of the model coach underscores the state’s commitment to modernizing public transportation and offering citizens a sophisticated mode of travel. As the trial run draws near, anticipation mounts for the transformation these metro projects are poised to bring to the cities of Bhopal and Indore.
