Key Points:
- Bhopal Metro inauguration today by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and CM Dr. Mohan Yadav
- Public operations begin December 21 at 9 AM on 6.22 km Orange Line priority corridor
- 17 daily trips between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS, 40-minute total journey time
- Fare structure: ₹20 for 1-2 stations, ₹30 for 3-5 stations, ₹40 for 6-8 stations
- No introductory discounts offered, unlike Indore Metro’s launch model
Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, marks a historic milestone today as it officially joins India’s growing metro network. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will jointly inaugurate the metro service, with both dignitaries scheduled to travel on the maiden run. The commercial launch for the general public commences tomorrow, December 21, 2025, at 9 AM, transforming urban transportation in the city.
Inauguration and Initial Operations
The inauguration ceremony will showcase the first phase of Bhopal’s ambitious metro project, focusing on the priority corridor of the Orange Line. This initial segment spans 6.22 kilometers between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS, incorporating eight strategically located stations: Subhash Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, DB Mall, MP Nagar, Rani Kamalapati, DRM Office, Alkapuri, and AIIMS. The first metro will depart from AIIMS station at 9 AM, reaching Subhash Nagar in approximately 40 minutes.
Operational Schedule and Frequency
The metro service will operate 17 trips daily on this corridor, with nine trips running from AIIMS to Subhash Nagar and eight trips in the reverse direction. The first train from AIIMS departs at 9 AM, while the last metro leaves AIIMS at 5 PM, arriving at Subhash Nagar at 6:25 PM. Each trip covers the entire route in 75 minutes, including station stops.
Fare Structure and Ticketing
Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has implemented a three-zone fare system. Travelers pay ₹20 for journeys covering one to two stations, ₹30 for three to five stations, and ₹40 for six to eight stations. For instance, a trip from DB Mall to Rani Kamalapati costs ₹20, while traveling the full distance to AIIMS requires the maximum fare of ₹40. Notably, the corporation has decided against offering introductory discounts, a departure from the approach used during Indore Metro’s launch, where free travel was provided for the first seven days and discounts of 25% to 75% were offered for a month. Metro Managing Director Krishna S. Chaitanya confirmed that no fare discounts will be available in Bhopal.
Passenger Experience and Safety Features
Passengers will purchase tickets at station counters before proceeding to platforms. Metro gates and platform doors will open automatically 10 seconds after the train arrives, with audio announcements warning passengers to maintain safe distance. Each metro coach accommodates 330 passengers, with seating capacity for 50 passengers and standing room for 280. The entire train has a total capacity of 980 passengers, though MD Chaitanya stated that 250 passengers can travel comfortably.
The metro system includes advanced safety protocols. Unlike conventional trains, no staff will be present inside coaches during operation. In emergencies, passengers can press emergency buttons to communicate directly with the metro driver via intercom, who will then alert the next station to dispatch emergency teams.
Future Expansion Plans
Bhopal’s metro network comprises two major lines. The Orange Line will eventually extend 16.74 kilometers between Karond and AIIMS, while the Blue Line will cover 14.16 kilometers from Bhadbhada to Ratnagiri. A central depot has been constructed at Subhash Nagar to serve both lines, and a junction at Pul Bogda will enable train crossings. The current priority corridor launch represents the first step toward this comprehensive urban transit vision.
Technical Specifications and Journey Times
The metro maintains a consistent speed between stations, with travel times of 2-3 minutes per segment. Each station stop lasts approximately 2 minutes for passenger boarding and alighting. The total travel time from AIIMS to Subhash Nagar is 40 minutes, making it an efficient alternative to road transportation in Bhopal’s growing urban landscape.
