Bhopal Metro Inaugurated Today; CM Mohan Yadav To Flag Off First Run

Bhopal is set to take a major step forward in urban public transport as the city's metro service is scheduled to begin operations on Saturday, December 20. The inaugural run will be flagged off at 5 pm from Subhash Nagar Metro Station by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Following the flag-off ceremony, both leaders will travel on the metro up to the AIIMS station, formally marking the launch of the service.

The Bhopal Metro has been developed as a modern, environmentally friendly transport system aimed at making daily commuting smoother and more dependable. The project is designed to ease traffic congestion on city roads, enhance passenger safety and provide a comfortable alternative to road-based travel.

Once completed, the Bhopal Metro network will span a total length of 30.8 kilometres, comprising two main corridors and a depot. The Orange Line will cover 16.74 kilometres, while the Blue Line will extend over 14.16 kilometres. Together, these corridors are planned to link key residential neighbourhoods, commercial centres and major transport hubs across the city.

The first section to become operational is the priority corridor of the Orange Line. This initial stretch is approximately 7 kilometres long and includes eight elevated stations: AIIMS, Alkapuri, DRM Office, Rani Kamalapati Station, MP Nagar, Board Office Square, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Subhash Nagar. Passing through some of Bhopal's busiest localities, this corridor is expected to significantly improve daily mobility for commuters.

Officials have said that the metro service will help decongest heavily crowded roads and offer faster and more reliable travel options. It is also expected to play a role in reducing pollution levels by encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transport.

The total cost of the Bhopal Metro project has been estimated at Rs 10,033 crore. Construction of the Orange Line priority corridor alone has involved an expenditure of Rs 2,225 crore. In terms of fares, travel for up to the first two stations will cost Rs 20. Journeys covering three to four stations will be priced at Rs 30, while travel between five and eight stations will cost Rs 40. Once the entire corridor is fully operational, the maximum fare has been fixed at Rs 70.