Indore Metro Phase 1 Commences; Par Ye Dil Mangey More!

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Indore marked a transformative moment in its urban transit journey on Saturday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the city metro service from Bhopal. The launch coincided with the 300th birth anniversary of the legendary queen Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, after whom the metro’s terminal station has been named.

With this, the Yellow Line’s 5.9-kilometre super-priority corridor officially opened to the public, ushering in a new chapter of modern, sustainable, and efficient public transport for the city.

The first metro ride rolled out from Gandhi Nagar station, where hundreds of women turned up to be among the first passengers onboard. Joyous faces, cheers, and slogans in praise of PM Modi filled the air as the inaugural journey began. Large LED screens were also installed at the station to livestream the Prime Minister’s virtual address, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The ceremonial flag-off was led locally by cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, union minister of state for housing and  urban affairs Tokhan Sahu, member of Parliament Shankar Lalwani, and mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav. Their presence added a sense of grandeur to what is being hailed as a milestone moment in Madhya Pradesh’s infrastructure and urban development landscape.

CM boards metro

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav arrived in Indore on Saturday evening to inspect metro operations. From the airport, he headed straight for the Devi Ahilyabai Metro Station.

Yadav boarded the metro train and travelled alongside hundreds of women passengers from Ahilyabai Metro Station to Jhalkari Bai Metro Station (Super Corridor Station -3), and returned on the same route. During the journey, he also visited the driver’s cabin to understand the technical aspects of train operations and discussed the system with metro officials.

Engaging warmly with fellow passengers, Yadav conversed with several women commuters to hear their experiences and feedback on the city’s first metro ride.

Lack of connectivity

Even though the metro corridor is flanked by several townships along the entire route,  as of now, a metro ride would practically remain a fun and picnic ride for the people due to lack of public transport connectivity at Gandhi Nagar and Super Corridor. The townships along the corridor are almost a mile away from the stations.

Metro Route & Operating Details

-The inaugural metro service covers a 5.9 km super-priority corridor between Gandhi Nagar Station and Super Corridor Station 3, with five stations in total:

Gandhi Nagar, Super Corridor 6, Super Corridor 5, Super Corridor 4, and Super Corridor 3.

-Travel Time: 20 to 23 minutes end to end

-Frequency: Every 30 minutes from 8 AM to 8 PM

-Fare: ₹20 minimum, ₹30 maximum for this corridor

Free rides for all during the first week

-Trains operate simultaneously from both ends and pause for 2 minutes at each station for boarding and deboarding.

Tribute to Women Warriors in Station Naming

Indore Metro has set a cultural example by naming all stations after India’s brave women. The terminal station is named Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, followed by stations honouring:

Rani Laxmibai

Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi

Rani Durgavati

VeeranganaJhalkar iBai

This unique naming strategy showcases pride in heritage and promotes recognition of women in Indian history.

Metro Phase-Wise Development Plan

Indore Metro is planned across three phases, totalling multiple corridors and dozens of stations.

-           Phase 1 (Ongoing):

Route: Metro Depot to Super Corridor Station 2

Length: 6.3 km (5.9 km operational from Gandhi Nagar to SCS-3)

Cost: ₹1520 crore

Status: Commercial run started from 31 May 2025

-           Phase 2 (Under Construction):

Route: Super Corridor 2 to Malviya Nagar (Radisson Square)

Length: 10.98 km with 11 stations

Cost: ₹1200 crore

Completion Target: January 2026

Trial Run: December 2025 expected

Stations include: Bhawarsala, MR-10, ISBT, Heera Nagar, Meghdoot Garden, and Vijay Nagar.

-           Phase 3 (Planned):

Length: 14 km

Stations: 12 (7 underground, 5 elevated)

Underground Locations: Rajwada, Railway Station, Bada Ganpati Square, Airport

Elevated Locations: Khajrana, Palasia, Bengali Square

Cost: ₹2,550 crore

Status: Tenders finalised, work starting in 2025

Train Design & Passenger Facilities

Each Indore Metro train has 3 coaches, with future plans to extend to 6 coaches as demand increases. Trains are 67 meters long with:

-Seating Capacity per Coach: Approx. 50

-Standing Capacity: 280+

-Total Passenger Capacity per Train: ~980

-Material: Stainless steel, rust-proof coaches

Features:

Automatic doors

LED route displays

Emergency communication buttons

Intercom access to train operator

Charging points and infotainment screens

For differently-abled passengers, special wheelchair spaces are reserved in the first and last coaches. Braille tiles and ‘Long Stop Request Buttons’ help ensure safe boarding and deboarding.

Technology & Safety Systems

Indore Metro boasts fully air-conditioned coaches, with each system (AC, brakes, doors) operated via dedicated software. Over time, operations will shift from manual driving to automatic mode. The entire setup is monitored through CCTV cameras, with fire safety systems installed at all stations and depots.

Station Access: Escalators, lifts, tactile flooring for the visually impaired

Passenger Information: Digital maps, display boards, and announcements

Emergency Response: Staff alerted via intercom, station teams prepared in advance

Second phase progress & trial runs

As of now, about 50% of Phase 2 construction is complete.

Trial runs on the Malviya Nagar–Super Corridor section began in May 2025, with test inspections of key stations like Vijay Nagar, Bapat, and Heera Nagar. Officials are conducting weekly reviews to ensure on-time delivery by early 2026. Metro PRO Himanshu Grover confirmed that 13 train rakes are currently available, of which 6–7 will operate initially, while others are reserved for maintenance or emergency deployment.