The Orange Line of the Bhopal Metro, which spans from AIIMS to Karond, is expected to complete in the mid of 2025. According to officials, the section from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS has been almost completed, while work on the Karond section has commenced recently. Currently, the focus is on conducting pile load tests, a crucial step in ensuring the structural integrity of the metro line. The pile load test is a critical phase in the construction process, as it helps determine the load-bearing capacity of the soil and the stability of the foundation. This test is essential to ensure the safety and durability of the metro line, which will cater to the transportation needs of thousands of commuters. The construction of Bhopal Metro's Orange Line has commenced, with a focus on the priority section that spans 8 stations. The priority section, which includes a 1 km track near the DRM office, is currently underway, and once completed, the Railway Safety Commissioner will conduct a visit to issue the necessary certificates, paving the way for the metro to be opened to the public. Presently, utility trial tests are being conducted on the Orange Line. Meanwhile, the Blue Line, with a budget of Rs 1121 crores, has been awarded to a private company for Rs 1000 crores.

 

The entire Bhopal Metro project has a budget of Rs 6900 crores, with funding from the European Investment Bank. The Blue Line's construction is expected to be completed within three years, with a loan from the European Investment Bank. The work order will be issued to the construction agency once the loan is approved. The project aims to create a 30 km metro network by 2027, with the first phase focusing on a 16 km line from Karond to AIIMS. However, the second phase has been delayed due to obstacles. To facilitate the metro project, instructions have been given to conduct a survey to identify and remove all encroachments along the route, allocate land, and distribute compensation to affected parties. Shopkeepers in Azad Nagar will receive compensation, following which they will be relocated. Additionally, over 100 sawmills on the Parvaliya Road will be shifted to a designated area, where the District Industry Center will provide amenities such as electricity, water, and roads. The shifting of sawmills will commence once these facilities are in place. MP Metro Corporation’s MD inspects Metro Priority Corridor construction progress S Krishna Chaitanya, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation, conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing construction work under the Bhopal Metro Priority Corridor on Thursday.

 

The inspection covered key locations including AIIMS Station, Alkapuri Station, DRM Office Station, and the Subhash Nagar Depot. The inspection also focused on speeding up the progress of construction work, with senior officials, consultants, and contractors present. Participants included Shobhit Tandon, Director (Systems), Ajay Gupta, Director (Projects), Sanjay Singh, GM (Civil), and representatives from various departments and the general consultants and contractors involved in the project. As stated by the officials, the MD’s proactive approach and detailed review underscore the importance of ensuring operational readiness and infrastructure development for the success of the metro system, which will significantly enhance urban mobility in Bhopal.