Bhopal Metro gets green signal: Orange line cleared for commercial operations

Bhopal: The Bhopal Metro, also known as the Bhoj Metro, received clearance for commercial operations on Friday, marking a major milestone in the urban transport landscape of Madhya Pradesh.

The metro was formally inaugurated at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre (Minto Hall) in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar. State Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya was also in attendance.

Following the inauguration ceremony, the leaders proceeded to Subhash Nagar Metro Station, where they flagged off the first metro train. They later travelled aboard a flower-decorated three-coach train to AIIMS station, marking the symbolic launch of services.

Commercial operations for the public will begin on Sunday, December 21, making Bhopal the second metro city in Madhya Pradesh after Indore.

The initial operational stretch is the priority corridor of the Orange Line, an elevated section spanning approximately 6.22 km with eight stations: Subhash Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Board Office Chauraha (MP Nagar), MP Nagar, Rani Kamalapati (Habibganj) Station, DRM Office, Alkapuri and AIIMS.

This corridor connects key commercial zones, the city’s main railway station and its premier healthcare facility, and is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion while serving thousands of daily commuters.

The Phase 1 Bhopal Metro project includes two corridors with a combined length of around 28–31 km, the Orange Line (AIIMS to Karond, 16 km) and the Blue Line (14 km). The total project cost is estimated at over ₹10,000 crore, while the priority section alone has been built at a cost of ₹2,225 crore, according to an official statement.

Designed with a focus on passenger safety, accessibility and sustainability, the metro features high-speed lifts and escalators, wheelchair-friendly infrastructure, Braille signage for the visually impaired, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, platform screen doors and advanced signalling systems.

The project also incorporates eco-friendly technologies, including regenerative braking and solar power integration. Air-conditioned coaches are equipped with mobile charging points and modern passenger information systems to offer a comfortable and world-class travel experience.

From Sunday, metro services will operate between 9 am and 7 pm, with 17 trips daily. Fares start at ₹20 for one to two stations, ₹30 for three to five stations, and ₹40 for six to eight stations. No introductory free rides or fare discounts have been announced.

The launch of the Bhopal Metro is expected to provide fast, safe and environmentally friendly urban transport, strengthening the city’s public infrastructure and positioning the state capital as a modern, accessible and sustainable metropolis after years of anticipation.

IANS