Bhopal metro to start commercial run from Dec 21:Union Minister Khattar to flag off maiden journey; PM Modi to join event virtually

Bhopal Metro’s Orange Line will start commercial operations on December 21. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the event virtually. Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will inaugurate the metro in a 3-coach train decorated with flowers. The date may change to December 20, but CM Dr. Mohan Yadav has confirmed December 21 as the launch date at Khajuraho Convention Centre. CMRS approves priority corridor The Commissioner Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) team has given the green signal for Bhopal Metro’s priority corridor. The team inspected the metro from November 12 to 15, checking the depot, tracks, and train, including nuts and bolts. The first trial run took place on October 3, 2023, with then CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan riding from Subhash Nagar to Rani Kamlapati Station. No parking provision in DPR The Detailed Project Report (DPR) does not include parking. Stations are built on main roads, leaving no space for parking. Metro officials say mass transport plans ensure passengers do not walk more than 500 metres to public transport. Remaining work won’t affect launch Officials say most essential work for the Orange Line is completed. Minor work at stations continues but will not impact the commercial run. Road construction is ongoing outside Subhash Nagar Metro Station. Work is also being completed at Rani Kamlapati, MP Nagar, Kendriya School, DRM Tiraha, Alkapuri, and AIIMS stations. Strict security arrangements Due to the commercial launch and PM Modi’s participation, security has been tightened at all stations. Private security guards have been deployed to manage safety. Station Preparations Underway Fare details and free travel The metro fare is almost finalised, with a model similar to Indore Metro. Passengers can travel free for the first 7 days. A discount of 75%, 50%, and 25% will be available for 3 months. After that, fares will range from Rs 20 to Rs 80. Maximum fare applies after the Orange Line is fully operational. Metro speed during trial runs Trial runs are being conducted from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS. The metro maintains speeds between 30 km/h and 80 km/h, occasionally reaching 100–120 km/h. Ticketing will remain manual The metro will use a manual ticketing system, like trains. The Automatic Fare Collection system installation by Asis Guard was cancelled. A new tender process is underway, which may take 2–3 months. Pick-up and drop-off only, no parking All eight stations on the Orange Line will have only pick-up and drop-off facilities. Passengers cannot park their vehicles. Metro officials plan to build outlets below stations, but parking will remain limited. Priority corridor and next phases The priority corridor runs from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS, covering eight stations. After the commercial launch, work will focus on: Metro project background Bhopal Metro’s first route from AIIMS to Karond is 16.05 km. The 6.22 km priority corridor from AIIMS to Subhash Nagar started in 2018. Work from Subhash Nagar to RKMP Station is complete. Steel bridges over railway tracks have also been built.