Seek Support of Tourism Department to Increase Metro Train Ridership: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Bhopal 2026 : Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that following the completion of the first phase of Metro Rail operations in Bhopal and Indore, the remaining phases of both projects should be completed within the stipulated timelines. He noted that Metro Train is a boon for ensuring smooth and convenient mobility in densely populated urban areas and for working professionals. The Chief Minister directed that support be sought from the Tourism Department to boost Metro Train ridership in the State capital Bhopal and the commercial hub Indore. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that work on all phases of the Metro Rail projects in Bhopal and Indore is progressing at a rapid pace, with nearly two-thirds of the overall work already completed.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reviewed the progress of the Bhopal and Indore Metro Rail projects during a meeting held at Mantralaya and issued necessary directions. Urban Development and Housing Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya, Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Smt. Pratima Bagri, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Metro Projects Should Also be Linked to Educational Tours

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Bhopal and Indore are evolving into major metropolitan regions. He noted that encouraging visits to prominent religious centres, tourist destinations, archaeological heritage sites, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries would promote greater use of the Metro Train by students and other citizens. The Tourism Department and the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (MAPCOST) will play an important role in these efforts.

Bhopal Metro Project

The meeting was informed that under Phase I of the Bhopal Metro Rail Project, operations on the Subhash Nagar–AIIMS corridor have been underway since December 2025. The 7.1-kilometre stretch includes eight elevated stations.

Work is currently underway on the 9.64-kilometre Subhash Nagar–Karond Square section under Phase II, which is scheduled for completion by June 2028. This section will include six elevated stations and two underground stations.

Similarly, work is underway on the 14.16-kilometre Bhadbhada Square–Ratnagiri Square section under Phase III. This corridor will have 13 elevated stations and is also expected to be completed within the next two years.

Indore Metro Project

The meeting was informed that under Reach I of Phase I of the Indore Metro Rail Project, the 5.26-kilometre Gandhi Nagar–Super Corridor-3 section was inaugurated in May 2025.

Under Reach II of Phase I, work on the 11.43-kilometre Super Corridor-3–Malviya Nagar Square section is nearing completion.

Under Phase II, work on the 1.77-kilometre Shaheed Bagh–Khajrana Square section (Reach I) and the 1.5-kilometre Airport–Gandhi Nagar section (Reach II) is expected to be completed by June 2028.

Under Phase III, work will be undertaken on the 11.59-kilometre Khajrana Square–Airport corridor.

The meeting also reviewed plans for future urban infrastructure projects, including flyovers, Metro Rail expansion, and road development works in the cities.