Second phase of work for Bhopal Metro Project began on Wednesday from Subhash Nagar to Karond. This will be 8.77 km of line. First pillar on this route is planned at the main gate of ICAR (Indian Council of Agriculture Research). The area has been covered on both sides of road. ICAR is at distance of 200 meters from Karond square where metro station will be set up. Priority corridor of Bhopal Metro from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS is in final stage and Metro train has been tested on the track at the rate of 80 kmph. On this route, metro train is continuously being run during night hours for testing purpose and in the meantime, Metro Corporation has started working for the second phase with soil testing.

 

The 8.77 km route from Subhash Nagar to Karond will have 3.39 km underground. The route includes around 90% Government land and remaining 10% land belongs to private owner. A discussion for the land on Metro route has been discussed by the District Collector, Kaushlendra Vikram Singh and MD of Metro Corporation C B Chakrabarty. Sources said that it is targeted to complete the second phase of work within three years. On this route, Metro station will be set up at Pool Bogda, Aishbaag, Sindhi Colony, DIG Bungalow, Krishi Upaj Mandi and Karond. The train will be passing through underground stations in Sindhi Colony, Aishbaag Crossing, Bhopal station to Nadra Bus stand. The 8.77 km route includes 6 elevated stations worth Rs 650 crores. Experts said that commercial run of Metro will be beginning by the end of year 2024, in priority corridor from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS. Entire Metro Project would take longer time to get completed.

 

As per DPR, ground work on AIIMS to Karond stretch includes twin tunnel and two under ground stations has yet to be started. However, selected agency has got the agreement letter this week and it would take at least two months to start the work. Officials said that to prepare the two underground and tunnels it would take around three years. ‘In first phase, AIIMS to Karond route is 16.8 km long and its 13.4 km of area will be elevated. Remaining 3.4 km of area will be there on land. Construction plan includes 12 elevated and two under ground stations. Construction of Metro was began in Bhopal from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS during year 2018. Continuing the work of Subhash Nagar to AIIMS, working on other routes including Karond was began. Officials said that it would take around 769 crores on construction of land areas and twin tunnels. Narottam Das, General Manager Bhopal, said that all effort is being made to complete the task in timeline. He said that Bhopal and Indore have received five sets each of Metro trains. One train is already there on track for final trial and three trains are being run in depot for testing. Bhopal has total five Metro sets.