The Bhopal Metro project is advancing, with trial runs on the 7 km Subhash Nagar-AIIMS Bhopal stretch expected soon and operations targeted for July 2025. Part of the first phase, the metro spans 31 km with two lines: Orange (AIIMS to Karond) and Blue (Ratnagiri to Bhadbhada). Eight stations along this stretch, including DRM Office and AIIMS Bhopal, are nearing completion. The recently finished Habibganj rail overbridge enhances connectivity. Once operational, the metro will provide an efficient, eco-friendly transport solution, easing traffic congestion and improving access to key locations, marking a transformative step for Bhopal's urban infrastructure.
The much-anticipated Bhopal Metro project is steadily progressing, with trial runs between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS Bhopal expected to commence soon. The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) aims to make the 7 km stretch operational by July 2025, providing the city with its first functional metro service.
This section is part of the metro's first phase, which spans 31 km and includes two lines: the Orange Line (AIIMS to Karond) and the Blue Line (Ratnagiri to Bhadbhada). For now, the focus is on completing civil and systems work for the Subhash Nagar to AIIMS route. According to MPMRCL Managing Director S. Krishna Chaitanya, eight stations along this stretch are nearing completion, with three key stations-DRM Office, AIIMS Bhopal, and Alkapuri-set to be ready in the coming weeks.
The recently completed Habibganj rail overbridge has been a significant milestone for the project, ensuring better connectivity for the metro line to AIIMS Bhopal. Once the trial runs are successfully conducted and necessary clearances are obtained, passenger services are expected to begin by mid-2025. MPMRCL has placed an order for 27 trains for the first phase, aiming to ensure smooth operations on both lines.
The Bhopal Metro, once operational, will address the city's growing public transport needs by offering an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative. It is also expected to ease traffic congestion in key areas and provide better access to important locations, including educational institutions, healthcare centers, and business hubs.
While the project has faced delays in the past, the upcoming trial runs mark a significant step toward achieving the goal of a fully operational metro system in Bhopal. With this development, the city joins the ranks of urban centers in India that have adopted metro rail as a modern solution for public transportation.