The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Co Limited is building the Bhopal Metro, also known as the Bhoj Metro project, a mass rapid transit system (MRTS) with two lines and 28 stations to serve Bhopal, the state’s capital (MPMRCL). The state government authorised the DPR (Detailed Project Report) for the Bhopal Metro Phase 1 project with lines totalling 27.87 km in December 2016, and the cabinet of the federal government did the same in October 2018. The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) is implementing the metro project.
According to media reports, the metro authorities are also expected to start work on the second phase of the metro in June and July. The priority corridor, which includes Subhash Nagar to AIIMS, RKMP, Subhash Nagar and Kendriya School is 90% complete. On the other hand, stations such as DRM Chauraha, AIIMS and Alkapuri are 60% complete.
Bhopal Metro: Quick facts
| Developed by | MPMRCL |
| Lines | 2 under construction, 4 proposed |
| Stations | 28 (under construction) |
| Track gauge | Standard gauge – 1435 mm |
| Electrification | 750 VDC Third Rail |
| Speed | 32 kmph |
| Estimated cost | Rs 6,941.40 crore |
| Proposed length | 77.13 km |
| Approved construction (length) | 21.65 km |
| Under construction (length) | 6.22 km |
Bhopal Metro: Construction overview
The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is a prominent city with a rich cultural history. It was formed by Parmara King Bhoj in the 11th century. It is also known as the city of lakes. The city is an industrial hub with the presence of pharmaceutical, automobile and textile companies. Over the years the city has seen rapid urbanisation and rising population. To cater to the need for efficient public transportation, the Bhopal Metro has been planned and is being implemented by the MPMRCL. The Bhopal Metro project has received approval from the Centre and the Madhya Pradesh government. It was started on September 2019 and the foundation stone was laid by the chief minister.
The 105-kilometre master plan for the Bhopal Metro was created by Rohit Associates Cities & Rails Pvt. Ltd. It proposes for the construction of 6 metro lines, of which 2 (lines 2 & 5) would be implemented in Phase 1 of the project.
Bhopal Metro: Cost
A loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for official development assistance (ODA) and a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for 400 million euros, both of which were agreed upon on December 20, 2019, is expected to contribute to the project’s partial funding. It would likely cost more than Rs 14,000 crore.
The MPMRCL is constructing the two lines and 28 stations of the Bhopal Metro project. MPMRCL is a 50:50 state-centre partnership. The MP Metro Rail Network’s initial segment, in Bhopal and Indore, is anticipated to be operational by September 2023.
The state government and the federal government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of metro rail lines in Bhopal and Indore on August 19, 2019.
Bhopal Metro: Phase 1
The detailed project report (DPR) for Phase 1 of the Bhopal Metro project was approved by the state government in December 2016. The Union Cabinet gave a nod for the project in October 2018. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by 2027.
Bhopal Metro: Route
Line 2 and Line 5 are approved lines of the Bhopal Metro project.
Line 2 (Purple Line) Karond Circle – AIIMS
| Length | 14.99 km |
| Type | Elevated & Underground |
| Status | 6.225 km is under construction between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar |
| Depot | Subhash Nagar Underpass (Jinsi) |
| Number of Stations | 16 |
| Station Names: | Karond Square, Krishi Upaj Mandi, DIG Bungalow, Sindhi Colony, Nadra Bus Stand, Bhopal Junction, Aish Bagh Crossing, Bogda Pul (interchange), Shubhash Nagar Underpass, Kendriya Vidyalaya, DB City Mall, Sangam Cinema, Himansarovar / Habibganj Station, Habibganj Naka, Alkapuri Bus Stand, AIIMS |
Line 5 (Orange Line) Bhadbhada Square – Ratnagiri Tiraha
| Length: | 12.88 km |
| Type: | Elevated |
| Depot: | Subhash Nagar Underpass (Jinsi) |
| Number of Stations: | 13 |
| Station Names: | Bhadbhada Square, Depot Square, Jawahar Chowk, Roshanpura Square, Minto Hall, Lily Talkies, Bogda Pul (interchange), Prabhat Square, Govindpura, J.K.Road, Indrapuri, Piplani (BHEL Township) and Ratnagiri Tiraha |
Bhopal Metro: Proposed routes in Phase 1
| Line | Colour | Route | Number of Stations |
| Line-1 | Green | Bairagarh – Awadhpuri | 24 |
| Line-3 | Blue | Bhauri Bypass (NH12 Junction) – Vasant Kunj Bus Stop | 24 |
| Line-4 | Yellow | Ashok Garden Auto Stand – Mother Teresa School | 21 |
| Line-6 | Brown | Habibganj Naka – Mandideep | 12 |
The metro will use a third rail power technology system to fuel its operation, or in other words, it will receive its power from the third line. The metro will have a driver in the first stage but become driverless in the latter stage, reducing human interference and mistakes. Priority lanes in Bhopal, measuring 6-7 km, are being concentrated on. The metro project between Indore and Bhopal must be finished by December 2025; thus, it is being closely monitored.
Bhopal Metro: Green line (Proposed Line 1)
Number of Stations: 24
Stations list
- Bairagarh
- Bairagarh Stadium
- Hemu Kalani
- Hala Pura Bus Stand
- Lal Ghati Square
- Idgarh Hills
- Collectorate
- Cambridge School MG Hospital
- Curfew Wali Mata Mandir
- Kamala Park
- Polytechnic Square
- Roshanpura Square
- TT Nagar Stadium
- Mata Mandir
- Jain Mandir
- Sharda Mandir
- Nutan College
- Mansarovar Complex (Habibganj Station)
- Khushabhau Thakrey ISBT
- Anna Nagar
- Carmel Convent
- Piplani Gurdwara Square
- Mahatma Gandhi Square
- Awadhpuri
Bhopal Metro: Blue line (Proposed Line 3)
- Length: 12.91 km
- Structure: Elevated
- Depot: Subhash Nagar Underpass (Jinsi)
- Number of Stations: 14
Stations list
- Bhadbadha Square
- Depot Square
- Jawahar Chowk
- Roshanpura Square
- Minto Hall
- Lily Talkies
- Bogda Pul (interchange)
- Prabhat Square
- Govindpura
- J.K. Road
- Indrapuri
- Piplani (BHEL Township)
- Ratnagiri Tiraha
Bhopal Metro: Yellow line (Proposed Line 4)
- Length: 12.91 km
- Structure: Elevated
- Depot: Subhash Nagar Underpass (Jinsi)
- Number of Stations: 21
Stations list
- Ashok Garden Auto Stand
- Krishna Campus
- Railway Station
- Jumerati Road
- Curfew Wali Mata Mandir
- Kamala Park
- Polytechnic Square
- Roshanpura Square
- TT Nagar Stadium
- Mata Mandir
- MACT Square
- Panchsheel Nagar Bus Stop
- Ekant Park
- Sahapura Lake
- Bhoj University (Chunnabhatti)
- IIPM Sarvadham
- Mansarovar School
- CI Height Nayapura Bus Stop
- Sanskar Marriage Garden
- Bhairagarh Chichali
- Mother Teresa School
Bhopal Metro: Brown line (Proposed Line 6)
- Number of Stations: 12
Stations list
- Habibganj Naka
- RRL
- BU University
- Bagsewania Bus Stop
- Ashima The Lake City Mall
- Sri Ram Colony
- C21 Mall, Scope College (Bharopur)
- Regional 1 / NH-12
- Harigangar Nagar
- Regional 2
- Mandideep
Bhopal Metro Map
Source: mpmetrorail.com
Bhopal metro to have airport-like facilities, feature food plazas and ATMs
The Metro Rail Corporation of Madhya Pradesh plans to design the stations on these corridors similar to airports. They will be equipped with major facilities, including food plazas, shops and other amenities. Earlier, the Indore metro station was also built on similar lines with airport-like amenities.
Bhopal Metro: Real estate impact
The Bhopal Metro project aims to enhance connectivity in the city and reduce traffic congestion. The metro route will cover key localities, creating an increased demand for residential and commercial properties, which is expected to result in an increase in property prices.
FAQs
Is the Metro running in Bhopal?
By September 2023, the first section of the MP Metro Rail Network, in Bhopal and Indore, is expected to be open for use.
Who is making the Bhopal Metro?
Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
Is Bhopal a good city to live in?
One of India's most livable, secure, and comfortable cities is Bhopal. Bhopal's cost of living is up to 19% less than that of Indore and other major Indian cities.
Is Uber available in Bhopal?
Yes, Uber is available.
