PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Bhopal Metro operations on December 20, CMRS approval received

Bhopal, India (Metro Rail Today): Bhopal Metro Rail Project is set to achieve a major milestone as commercial operations on the Orange Line will commence on December 21, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the inauguration event virtually, while Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, will formally inaugurate the metro by riding a three-coach train decorated with flowers.

While authorities are also evaluating the possibility of starting operations on December 20, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has confirmed December 21 as the official launch date. The inauguration event will be held at the Khajuraho Convention Centre, with final coordination underway between the state government, BJP organisation, and project officials.

The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has given the mandatory safety clearance for the priority corridor of the Orange Line, paving the way for commercial operations.

The CMRS inspection was conducted from November 12 to 15, during which the team examined the metro depot, tracks, rolling stock, signalling systems, and station infrastructure. The inspection was led by CMRS Nilabhra Sengupta, who reviewed even minor technical elements before granting approval.

Officials confirmed that while some finishing work at stations is still underway, it will not impact the commercial launch.

Priority Corridor Details

The priority corridor stretches from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS, covering 6.22 km with eight stations. This section forms part of Bhopal Metro’s 16.05 km Orange Line, which will eventually run from AIIMS to Karond.

Stations on the priority corridor include:

• Subhash Nagar

• Rani Kamlapati

• MP Nagar

• Kendriya School

• DRM Tiraha

• Alkapuri

• AIIMS

Trial runs on this stretch are ongoing, with train speeds ranging between 30 km/h and 80 km/h, occasionally touching 100–120 km/h during testing.

To encourage ridership, metro travel will be free for the first seven days after launch. The fare structure—largely aligned with Indore Metro’s model—has been finalised with the following incentives:

• 75%, 50%, and 25% discounts over the first three months

• Final fares expected to range between ₹20 and ₹80, once the full Orange Line becomes operational

Ticketing will initially be manual, similar to Indian Railways. Installation of an Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system is expected later, after a fresh tender process.

No Parking Provision at Stations

As per the Detailed Project Report (DPR), no parking facilities have been planned at any of the Orange Line stations. All stations will offer pick-up and drop-off zones only, with the metro designed as a true mass-transit system ensuring passengers do not walk more than 500 metres to access public transport.

Officials confirmed that while commercial outlets may be developed below stations in the future, parking will remain limited.

In view of the high-profile inauguration and the Prime Minister’s participation, strict security arrangements have been put in place across all stations. Private security personnel have been deployed to manage passenger safety.

Station readiness highlights include:

• Escalators fully installed

• Lifts under final testing

• MP Nagar station fully ready

• Final finishing work underway at AIIMS, Alkapuri, DRM Office, and Rani Kamlapati stations

Future Expansion Plans

Following the commercial launch of the priority corridor, focus will shift to:

• Orange Line Phase-2: Subhash Nagar to Karond

• Blue Line: Bhadbhada to Ratnagiri

Steel bridges over railway tracks have already been completed, strengthening the project’s execution pace.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “The commencement of Bhopal Metro’s commercial operations marks a significant step for Tier-2 cities embracing modern urban mobility. Metro systems like Bhopal’s are crucial not just for reducing congestion, but for shaping sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready urban growth.”

The launch of the Bhopal Metro Orange Line is expected to significantly improve daily commuting, reduce traffic congestion, and place Bhopal firmly on India’s growing metro rail map.