Bhopal Metro just one step away, CMRS arrives for inspection:Commercial run to get green signal as soon as ‘OK’ report received; few stations incomplete

The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) team has reached Bhopal to carry out the final inspection of the city’s metro project. The team, led by Metro Commissioner Janak Kumar Garg, will inspect the tracks and stations on Thursday. If the inspection report meets the required standards, the CMRS is expected to give its nod for commercial operations. Once the approval is granted, the Bhopal Metro’s inaugural run will be scheduled, likely to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month. Final Green Signal Before Commercial Run
Officials said the inspection will cover safety parameters, operational readiness, and infrastructure quality. The CMRS clearance is the final step before the metro begins carrying passengers. Sources indicate that the Prime Minister’s office has been briefed about the progress and may finalize Modi’s visit soon after the CMRS approval. Pending Work at Key Stations
Despite the inspection, several metro stations are still under finishing work. At Subhash Nagar, Central School, DB Mall, Sargam Talkies, Rani Kamlapati, AIIMS, Alkapuri, and DRM intersection stations, both interior and exterior work continues. At Central School station, the road in the lower section is being re-excavated due to height adjustments. However, officials maintain that sufficient construction has been completed for safe commercial operations. Earlier Targets and Trial Runs
The state government had initially aimed to start metro services in October. In preparation, CMRS officials had conducted two major inspections in September and October. Commissioner Garg and his team reviewed the 6.22-kilometre Priority Corridor between Subhash Nagar Depot and AIIMS, also taking a trial ride. During those visits, they spent nearly two hours assessing key stations and systems. Third and Most Crucial Visit Underway
This week’s visit marks the CMRS team’s third and most critical inspection phase. Starting Wednesday, the officials began detailed ground assessments, which will continue through Thursday. The final approval will hinge on this visit’s findings. Report Submission and Government Approval
After completing the inspection, the CMRS team will compile and submit its report to the state government. Once approved, the government will finalize the commercial launch date. The report will cover technical, safety, and operational recommendations for the upcoming metro service. Modi Likely to Flag Off First Train
If the timeline holds, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the first train of the Bhopal Metro, making him its first passenger. Notably, the Indore Metro was inaugurated from Bhopal on May 31, setting the stage for this long-awaited milestone. Since then, the pace of work in Bhopal has accelerated, especially at the remaining three stations where finishing touches are now being completed. OK report received from RDSO
For Bhopal Metro, the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) team has already visited. This team’s report came back OK. After their inspection, documents were submitted to CMRS. Then the inspection date was finalized. Metro work started from 2018
The first metro route in Bhopal is 16.05 kilometers long from AIIMS to Karond. Out of this, work was started in 2018 as a priority corridor on 6.22 kilometers between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar. The work from Subhash Nagar to RKMP station has been completed. Some work is remaining at Alkapuri, AIIMS and DRM metro stations, which is being completed. Two steel bridges have also been constructed over the railway track. First trial was done two years ago
For the first time in the capital, Metro ran on tracks on October 3, 2023. Then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had traveled in the Metro from Subhash Nagar to Rani Kamlapati Station.