- By Imran Zafar
- Thu, 10 Apr 2025 03:58 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has approved the Indore Metro Rail project, allowing commercial operations to begin on a 5.90-kilometre-long corridor. The decision follows a detailed inspection by the CMRS last month, an official from the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) said.
In the initial phase, the metro will operate between Gandhi Nagar Station and Station No. 3 on the Super Corridor, covering five stations. The route lies in a recently developed area with low population density, which experts believe could impact initial ridership.
Although metro stations have been designed for six-coach trains, the MPMRCL official confirmed that three-coach trains would be deployed initially. Each coach can carry approximately 300 passengers, including 50 seated. Additional coaches may be added based on demand.
A trial run on the 5.90 km corridor was completed in September 2023. However, the official date for the start of commercial operations has not yet been finalised. Authorities are waiting for a passenger demand assessment before launching services.
MP Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya stated on April 2 that the metro will not be launched in haste. A thorough study of expected passenger turnout will guide the final decision. "We don't want to run the metro at a loss," he said.
The Indore Metro project was initiated on September 14, 2019, with an estimated cost of Rs 7,500.80 crore. Under Phase I, a 31.50-kilometre-long circular corridor is planned to be developed, aimed at enhancing urban mobility in the city.