Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh’s capital, achieved a historic milestone with the formal inauguration of the Bhopal Metro, also known as Bhoj Metro, at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre (Minto Hall) on December 20. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar attended the ceremony, marking the city’s entry into the era of metro rail transport.

Following the inauguration, the leaders, along with Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, proceeded to Subhash Nagar Metro Station to flag off the first train, riding the flower-decorated three-coach train to AIIMS station. Commercial operations for the public are set to begin on December 21, making Bhopal the second metro city in Madhya Pradesh after Indore.

The priority corridor on the Orange Line spans approximately 6.22 km and includes eight stations: Subhash Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Board Office Chauraha (MP Nagar), MP Nagar, Rani Kamalapati (Habibganj), DRM Office, Alkapuri, and AIIMS. This corridor connects major commercial hubs, the primary railway station, and the city’s premier hospital, aiming to ease traffic congestion and serve thousands of daily commuters.

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Phase 1 of the metro project includes two corridors totaling 28–31 km: the Orange Line (AIIMS to Karond, 16 km) and the Blue Line (14 km), at an estimated cost of over Rs 10,000 crore. The priority section alone cost Rs 2,225 crore. The metro is equipped with modern features for passenger convenience, including high-speed lifts and escalators, wheelchair access, Braille signage, AI-based CCTV, platform screen doors, and advanced signaling systems.

Bhopal Metro also emphasizes sustainability, incorporating regenerative braking, solar power integration, air-conditioned coaches, mobile charging points, and modern passenger information systems. Trains will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with 17 daily trips and fares starting at Rs 20 for 1–2 stations, Rs 30 for 3–5 stations, and Rs 40 for 6–8 stations.

The launch of Bhoj Metro offers fast, safe, and eco-friendly urban transport, enhancing the quality of life in Bhopal and paving the way for a smarter, greener city. After years of anticipation and delays, residents can now experience a modern, world-class metro system transforming mobility across the capital.

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