Buy one ticket, travel multiple times in Bhopal Metro:Newly opened system lacks proper ticketing; Bhaskar investigates loopholes

The long-awaited Bhopal Metro opened to the public on December 21, but the absence of a proper ticketing system raises concerns about whether the administration was fully prepared or if the commercial launch was rushed. The current manual tickets lack QR codes, digital verification, or any standard security features. Each ticket bears only a rubber stamp, which can be easily duplicated, allowing anyone to travel without paying. As a result, commuters can use a single ticket for multiple journeys—not as part of a promotional offer, but due to a serious flaw in the metro’s ticketing system. A Dainik Bhaskar reporter tested the system and revealed these vulnerabilities during the trial run of Bhopal Metro, which started on 21 December 2025. The trial commenced despite partially ready stations, provisional operations, and serious safety lapses. Part 1: One ticket, multiple journeys First Journey: Rani Kamalapati to Subhash Nagar (2:11 PM) The reporter purchased a manual ticket for Rs 30 online at 1:50 PM. The ticket was a simple paper with a handwritten date and time and a rubber stamp. The metro arrived at 2:11 PM, and the journey proceeded through MP Nagar, Board Office, Kendriya Vidyalaya, and ended at Subhash Nagar at 2:25 PM. At the exit gate, no official checked the ticket. The reporter handed the ticket to a security guard, who accepted it without verification. Second journey: Subhash Nagar to Rani Kamalapati (2:40 PM) To test the system further, the reporter purchased another ticket at 2:37 PM. The return journey passed through Kendriya Vidyalaya, Board Office, MP Nagar, and reached Rani Kamalapati at 2:54 PM. Once again, no proper ticket checking was conducted. Security personnel only accepted tickets from passengers who voluntarily showed them. The system allowed multiple journeys with minimal oversight, exposing a loophole that could lead to revenue loss. Part 2: Single ticket for round trip to AIIMS Journey: Rani Kamalapati to AIIMS (3:44 PM) The reporter purchased a new manual ticket for ₹30 at 3:44 PM to travel to AIIMS. The metro arrived at 4:09 PM, reaching the DRM Office, Alkapuri, and finally AIIMS at 4:20 PM. Despite rules requiring passengers to submit their ticket and buy a new one for the return trip, no security personnel checked tickets at AIIMS station. The reporter carried the same ticket back for the return journey from AIIMS to Rani Kamalapati at 4:30 PM, without any verification. The metro passed through Alkapuri, the DRM Office, and reached Rani Kamalapati at 4:41 PM. This experiment highlighted serious flaws in Bhopal Metro’s ticketing and security system, as a single ticket was used for multiple trips without any hindrance. Key observations by reporter 1. Automatic gates are just for show AFC (Automatic Fare Collection) gates at five major stations—Subhash Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Board Office, MP Nagar, and Rani Kamalapati—exist in structure but lack sensors, scanners, or digital locking mechanisms. 2. Manual tickets have multiple flaws Reason behind incomplete system: Contract termination with Turkish company The reporter spoke to a security in charge, who revealed why the system is incomplete: Contract termination with Turkish company behind incomplete metro system During a ride on the Bhopal Metro, a Bhaskar reporter spoke with a security in-charge, who revealed the full story behind the incomplete ticketing and operational system. What is ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the Turkish Company connection? When the Bhaskar reporter tried to meet the Managing Director (MD) and IAS officer S. Krishna Chaitanya at their office, they were in a meeting all day. His personal assistant said it was uncertain when the MD would be free. Next, the reporter met the Metro PRO, Arvind Soni, and asked four important questions: After hearing the questions, the PRO said:”Please email these questions to the MD, and he will reply.” The Bhaskar team sent emails to md@mpmrcl.in, publicrelations@mpmrcl.in, and mpmetro@mpmrcl.in, but no response was received. Bhopal Metro lags behind other cities While metros in Delhi, Lucknow, and Jaipur operate with world-class, automated, and secure systems, Bhopal Metro continues with a paper-and-stamp-based model reminiscent of the 1990s, leaving passengers exposed to security risks and financial losses.