ADB approves $190 Million Loan for Indore Metro Rail Project to boost Urban Mobility

Indore, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major boost to India’s urban transport infrastructure, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $190 million (approx. ₹1,580 crore) loan to support the development of the Indore Metro Rail Project in Madhya Pradesh. The initiative aims to revolutionize mobility in one of India’s fastest-growing cities, while also promoting sustainability, accessibility, and inclusive economic growth.

The project will finance the construction of an 8.62-kilometre underground metro corridor featuring seven stations that will connect high-density areas of Indore to the airport. Designed with modern amenities and inclusivity at its core, the metro will feature ramps, elevators, CCTV surveillance, emergency response systems, and accessibility elements for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

“Indore’s rapid urbanization has led to congestion, pollution, and limited mobility for vulnerable populations,” said Mio Oka, ADB’s Country Director for India. “This project will not only modernize public transport but also empower women and marginalized communities through targeted employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.”

Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Transformation

The metro line is expected to bring substantial environmental benefits, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 12,414 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year, along with notable improvements in air quality and urban livability. The initiative also prioritizes multimodal integration, linking the metro with existing bus routes, feeder services, and other transit nodes such as the Indore airport and railway station.

“ADB’s investment in Indore Metro is a vital step in creating clean, efficient, and inclusive transport ecosystems in Tier-2 Indian cities,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group. “With strong planning for accessibility and gender-responsive design, the project is aligned with global best practices and India’s Smart Cities Mission.”

Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups

A unique aspect of the Indore Metro project is its focus on social inclusion. The plan includes:

• Commercial spaces within metro stations allocated to women entrepreneurs and self-help groups.

• Internship and training programs designed to build capacity among women in the transport sector.

• Safety audits and ridership data to guide future service improvements and infrastructure design.

• Multimodal integration studies to ensure seamless connectivity across the transport ecosystem.

The initiative will also receive technical support from ADB’s existing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) programs, helping the city strengthen its TOD planning frameworks and policies to manage urban growth effectively.

Implementation Timeline

The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) will serve as the implementing agency for the project. Full operations on the new underground corridor are expected to commence by January 2030.

This is not the first time Indore’s metro ambitions have drawn international funding. Earlier tranches of support have come from both ADB and the European Investment Bank (EIB) for surface lines and broader metro network planning. However, the current approval represents the most targeted investment in the city's underground metro infrastructure to date.

As cities like Indore face mounting urban challenges, the ADB-backed metro project offers a model for sustainable, inclusive, and smart urban mobility. With a clear focus on equity, environment, and efficiency, the Indore Metro is poised to become a flagship example of how transit infrastructure can transform urban futures—not just in Madhya Pradesh, but across India.