Indore Metro: Madhya Pradesh’s First Metro Rail Service Begins Operations

Metro in Indore has officially joined India’s metro network with the inauguration of Madhya Pradesh’s first metro rail service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the project via video conferencing from Bhopal, marking a significant milestone in the state’s urban transportation development.

Indore Metro Project Overview

The Indore Metro is a ₹7,500.80 crore project designed to enhance urban mobility and reduce congestion in one of India’s fastest-growing cities. The metro network will span 31.32 km, featuring 28 stations across the city.

The first operational phase, known as the Super Priority Corridor, covers 6 km from Gandhi Nagar Station to Station No. 3. This corridor was built at a cost of ₹1,520 crore and includes five stations named after prominent women leaders:

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Terminal

Maharani Lakshmi Bai Station

Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi Station

Rani Durgavati Station

Veerangana Jhalkari Bai Station

Metro

Union Minister Tokhan Sahu praised the development, stating that Indore is now the 24th city in India to operate a metro rail service.

Indore metro Infrastructure & Operations

The Indore Metro is designed to accommodate six-coach trains, but operations have begun with three-coach trains, each capable of carrying 980 passengers. The metro system aims to provide a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transport, reducing reliance on private vehicles and lowering pollution levels.

The metro stations are equipped with modern amenities, including

Emergency buttons and intercom systems for passenger safety

Audio announcement systems for visually impaired commuters

Dedicated women’s compartments to ensure safe travel

Historical Significance & Development Timeline

The foundation stone for the Super Priority Corridor was laid on September 14, 2019, and trial runs were successfully conducted in September 2023. The metro project is expected to transform Indore’s public transport landscape, offering a seamless commuting experience for residents and visitors alike.

Indore’s public transport evolution dates back over 150 years, from bullock carts and horse carriages to buses and now metro rail. The city’s first railway line was constructed in 1870, and now, with the metro’s launch, Indore is embracing modern urban mobility solutions.

Indore Metro Economic & Social Impact

The Indore Metro is expected to:

Boost local businesses by improving connectivity

Enhance real estate value along metro corridors

Create employment opportunities in metro operations and maintenance

Reduce travel time and improve overall city infrastructure

The government’s investment in metro infrastructure aligns with its broader vision of smart urban development, ensuring sustainable growth for Indore.

Future Expansion Plans

The Yellow Line, once completed, will span 31.32 km, with 22.62 km of elevated track and 8.7 km of underground sections. The metro network is expected to expand further, integrating with regional transport systems to improve connectivity across Madhya Pradesh.

With Indore Metro now operational, the city is set to become a model for urban mobility, paving the way for future metro expansions in other cities across the state.