Bhopal Metro launch delayed as CMRS Inspection awaits New Appointment

Bhopal, India (Metro Rail Today): Despite months of anticipation and multiple trial runs, the long-awaited Bhopal Metro is still not ready to welcome passengers. While the state government had earlier promised an October 2025 launch, the operational debut has been delayed yet again due to the pending second inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) — a mandatory step before passenger services can begin.

According to official sources, the previous CMRS, Shri Janak Kumar Garg, retired on October 31, halting the inspection process mid-way. Garg had completed the first phase of inspection — covering the metro corridor and tracks — on September 24 and 25, but his second visit to inspect the metro stations could not take place.

With the new CMRS yet to assume office, the inspection process is now expected to resume later this month or early December, pushing the metro’s commercial operation into early 2026.

“The CMRS team must complete two visits before operations begin — one for corridor and tracks, and another for stations. The first round is done, and the second will take place once the new CMRS is appointed. Both reports will be released together,” said an official from the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL).

The 6.2-km Priority Corridor between Subhash Nagar Depot and AIIMS Saket Nagar is almost ready, with eight stations constructed along the route — Rani Kamlapati, Subhash Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, DB Mall, AIIMS, Alkapuri, and DRM Office.

While civil and system works are largely complete, finishing work at Alkapuri, AIIMS, and Rani Kamlapati stations is still underway, which could take another month.

“The Priority Corridor, where the Bhopal Metro is to operate initially, is fully completed. Now, only the CMRS inspection remains. Once the new CMRS assumes office, he will inspect the metro stations and approve operations,” confirmed S. Krishna Chaitanya, Managing Director of MPMRCL.

Ironically, Indore Metro, which began construction after Bhopal’s project, has already commenced commercial operations as of May 31, 2025. The success of Indore’s service has intensified pressure on MPMRCL to expedite the Bhopal launch.

Local residents, who have eagerly awaited metro connectivity to ease city traffic, are now likely to wait until early 2026 for their first ride. Officials also hinted that if deficiencies are found during the final inspection, corrective work could extend the timeline further.

Commenting on the situation, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, and Managing Editor, Metro Rail Today, said:

“The Bhopal Metro represents a key milestone in Madhya Pradesh’s urban transformation. However, delays in inspection and execution erode public confidence and slow economic benefits. While safety and quality must remain the top priority, institutional accountability and faster regulatory coordination are equally vital to ensure that projects like Bhopal Metro do not become perpetual ‘work-in-progress’ stories.”

The Bhopal Metro project, launched in 2018, aims to decongest the capital and enhance public transport connectivity across the city. Phase 1 covers two major corridors totaling 28 km, connecting Karond Circle–AIIMS and Bhadbhada Square–Ratnagiri Tiraha.

The Priority Corridor was initially targeted for inauguration in December 2024, later revised to October 2025, and is now expected to open in early 2026 — pending final safety clearance.