BHOPAL: Will Bhopal residents be able to ride the metro by the middle of 2025? Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) seems optimistic. Anytime by mid 2025, they say.
Trial runs between the depot and AIIMS Bhopal are expected to begin soon. There is growing optimism that the Bhopal metro will be commercially operational by July. “We are planning to operationalise eight stations (Subhash Nagar to AIIMS Bhopal) which is about 7 km by July 2025. Integration of civil and systems works is also being completed for start of commercial operations,” said MPMRCL managing director, S Krishna Chaitanya.
Bhopal metro project’s first phase — a 31 km stretch — is nearing completion on a 7 km section from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS Bhopal, with civil and systems integration underway and trial runs expected to begin soon. The completion of the Habibganj rail over bridge, which will connect the metro rail to AIIMS Bhopal, has boosted optimism for the project.
The 7km stretch from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS Bhopal is in its final stages, with civil and systems works being integrated. Three metro stations on this route — DRM office, AIIMS Bhopal, and Alkapuri — are expected to be finished in the coming weeks. Overall there are eight metro stations on the 7 km route.
Soon, the sound of Bhopal metro rail shuttling from depot to AIIMS Bhopal for a trial run would become an everyday feature.
After necessary clearances are obtained, passenger service will begin, with extensive trial runs expected to be conducted on the 7 km stretch by Jan 2025. Bhopal Metro has ordered 27 trains for the first phase, which will include two lines: AIIMS to Karond and Ratnagiri to Bhadbhada. The Orange and Blue lines are the two that make up the 31 km length.
