Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday took part in a trial run of the Bhopal Metro train, travelling from Subash Nagar station to AIIMS, and later continuing till Rani Kamlapati Railway Station.
Calling the experience “pleasant,” he said the government is committed to gifting Metro to people of Bhopal at the earliest, with a targeted launch in October.
Enjoying the ride like a regular commuter, the CM was accompanied by Urban Development Minister Krishna Gaur, ACS Sanjay Dubey and other senior officials.
Speaking to media at Rani Kamlapati station, Yadav said that the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has already inspected the Metro, and Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will conduct a final inspection soon. “As soon as CMRS clearance comes through, we will open Metro to public on the priority corridor,” he said.
Before the ride, CM also visited Metro Command Centre near Subash Nagar station and reviewed operational systems and technical aspects of the project.
He said the Bhopal Metro is a major symbol of state’s rapid progress. The total project cost stands at Rs 6,941.40 crore, while the priority corridor from Subash Nagar to AIIMS alone is being developed at a cost of Rs 2,225 crore. A comprehensive roadmap has been drawn up to make both the Orange and Blue Lines fully operational before 2030.
Metro trains, designed for a top speed of 90 km/h, will run at an operational speed of 40 to 60 km/h, with an average two-minute halt at each station.
Passengers will have access to modern amenities, including escalators, lifts, Braille signage, clean drinking water, hygienic toilets and facilities for differently abled. Out of the 27 trains sanctioned for Bhopal, five have already arrived in the city.
Indore Metro to be fully operational by year-end: CM
CM Mohan Yadav also said the Indore Metro is already functional, and the government is targeting full operation on the Super Corridor to Malviya Nagar Square section by the end of this year, giving Indore residents full-fledged metro connectivity.
The priority corridor of the Metro includes eight elevated stations, running from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS
The total length of the priority corridor is approximately 7.5 km
The launch of the Metro train will officially grant Bhopal the status of a Metro city.
