Bhopal Metro to begin operations from Dec 21:CM Mohan Yadav announces in Khajuraho; CMRS gives green signal

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said Bhopal Metro will officially start operations on December 21.
Speaking to the media at the Khajuraho Convention Center on Monday, he added that the state government has reviewed two years of progress and set targets for the next three years. “On December 21, we will gift Bhopal residents with the Metro train and several other development initiatives. On December 25, we will inaugurate industrial projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore on the occasion of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth centenary,” CM Yadav said. CMRS clears priority corridor for metro operations The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) recently gave the green signal for Bhopal Metro’s priority corridor. The inspection team, led by Commissioner Neelabh Sengupta, visited Bhopal on November 12 and conducted detailed inspections of depots, tracks, and trains from November 13 to 15. All critical checks, including nuts and bolts of the trains, were verified before approval. Officials stated that while some minor works are pending at stations, they will not affect the commercial launch of the Metro. Metro preparations are underway like this… Orange Line priority corridor details The first priority corridor of Bhopal Metro’s Orange Line spans 6.22 kilometers, covering eight stations: Subhash Nagar, Kendriya School, DB Mall, MP Nagar, Rani Kamalapati, DRM Tiraha, Alkapuri, and AIIMS. Fare structure and free travel period Metro fares have been decided, and a Fare Collection Committee has been set up. For the first seven days, passengers can travel free of charge. Following this, discounts of 75%, 50%, and 25% will be available for three months. After the discount period, a ride on the Metro will cost Rs 20, with a maximum fare of Rs 80, similar to the Indore Metro model. The full Orange Line, spanning approximately 16 kilometers from AIIMS to Karond, will be completed over the next 2–3 years. Initially, the first phase from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS will be operational. Speed and trial runs Trial runs are being conducted on the Subhash Nagar–AIIMS stretch, with speeds ranging from 30 km/h to 80 km/h. In certain sections, trains have been tested at speeds up to 100–120 km/h. Manual ticketing system to be implemented initially The Metro will initially operate with a manual ticketing system, similar to trains. The automatic fare collection system, originally contracted to the Turkish company Asis Guard, will not be operational immediately due to tendering and contractual issues. Officers confirmed that staff will be deployed to manage manual ticketing at stations.