Bhopal, December 20 (NationPress) The capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, achieves a significant milestone with the official launch of the Bhopal Metro, also referred to as Bhoj Metro. This momentous event is being held at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre (Minto Hall) and is graced by the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar.

Post-ceremony, the dignitaries, alongside Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, will head to Subhash Nagar Metro Station to inaugurate the first metro train. They will experience a ride on the beautifully adorned three-coach train to AIIMS station.

Commercial services for the public commence on Sunday, December 21, marking Bhopal as the second metro city in Madhya Pradesh after Indore. The priority corridor on the Orange Line, which stretches roughly 6.22 km (elevated), links vital areas and comprises eight stations: Subhash Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Board Office Chauraha (MP Nagar), MP Nagar, Rani Kamalapati (Habibganj) Station, DRM Office, Alkapuri, and AIIMS.

This section connects key commercial zones, the main railway station, and the leading hospital, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and initially cater to thousands of daily riders.

The entirety of Phase 1 encompasses two corridors, covering approximately 28-31 km: the Orange Line (AIIMS to Karond, 16 km) and Blue Line (14 km), with a projected cost exceeding Rs 10,000 crore. The priority segment alone is valued at Rs 2,225 crore, as per a government announcement.

Engineered with a focus on passenger comfort, safety, and sustainability, the metro includes high-speed lifts, escalators, wheelchair accessibility, Braille signage for the visually impaired, AI-driven CCTV monitoring, platform screen doors, and cutting-edge signaling technology.

Eco-friendly features comprise regenerative braking and solar power utilization. Inside the air-conditioned coaches, passengers will find mobile charging facilities and state-of-the-art passenger information systems to ensure a comfortable, world-class experience.

Starting Sunday, metro services will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring 17 daily trips with fares beginning at Rs 20 (for 1-2 stations), Rs 30 (for 3-5 stations), and Rs 40 (for 6-8 stations) — with no introductory free rides or discounts for passengers, as per the announcement.

This launch not only offers fast, safe, and environmentally sustainable transportation but also advances Bhopal toward a smarter, greener future. It enhances the quality of urban life and positions the city as a modern, accessible capital. After years of anticipation and delays, residents of Bhopal can now welcome this new chapter in urban mobility.