Did PM Modi Virtually Inaugurate Indore Metro Rail Project and Airports?

Bhopal, May 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the virtual launch of three pivotal transportation initiatives, which include the Indore Metro Rail, alongside the airport projects in Satna and Datia, during his visit to Bhopal.

During the event, PM Modi took part in the festivities marking the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a renowned leader of Malwa.

The Indore Metro Rail project, which is the first of its kind in Madhya Pradesh, represents a groundbreaking advancement in urban transit.

The Datia airport project, for which the foundation was initially laid in 2012 with an investment of Rs 21.18 crore, was completed in 2015. It underwent significant enhancements to become a full-fledged airport in 2023 and is set to commence operations by 2024.

The metro network extends over 31.3 kilometres, with an initial stretch of six kilometres inaugurated by PM Modi on Saturday.

The first phase includes five stations located at Gandhinagar and along the Super Corridor. The metro’s rolling stock comprises stainless steel coaches adorned with a rust-resistant white and yellow design for enhanced durability.

Indore plans to deploy a total of 75 coaches, with 13 three-coach trains already delivered. Each train, measuring 67 meters in length, is equipped with advanced safety features, emergency buttons, intercom systems, digital route maps, and LED TVs for passenger information and entertainment.

Additionally, an audio announcement system is included to support visually impaired travelers.

The evolution of Indore’s transportation system dates back over a century. The Holkar rulers began constructing a rail line to Khandwa in 1870, completed within five years, with operations commencing in 1876.

The first long-distance train service between Indore and Bhopal was launched in May 1956, and today, around 100 trains operate daily from Indore’s six platforms.

The metro joins Indore’s rich transit history, which has featured various modes of transport, including elephants, horses, bullock carts, tongas, tempos, and bicycles.

The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited has implemented a third-rail system as an alternative to conventional overhead power lines.

Originally serving small aircraft, the Datia airport underwent a significant upgrade with an additional Rs 70 crore investment, enabling ATR and 72-seater aircraft to land on its 1810-meter runway, which spans over 118 acres.

With its inauguration, direct flight services will begin between Khajuraho and Bhopal. Similarly, the Satna airport, developed with an investment of Rs 30 crore, has its roots in an airstrip constructed during World War II.

In 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation granted it a license for operations involving 19-seater aircraft. Now equipped to handle two aircraft simultaneously, it features a 1200-meter runway.

PM Modi also laid the groundwork for a substantial Rs 778 crore project aimed at developing ghats along the River Kshipra and transferred the first installment for the construction of 1,271 new Atal panchayat bhavans, a total project worth Rs 483 crore.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized the historical importance of the day, recalling the pioneering efforts of the Holkar rulers in establishing rail infrastructure.

More than 150 years after the initiation of Indore's first railway line to Khandwa at a cost of Rs 1 crore, a new initiative worth Rs 7,500 crore is now set to enhance urban mobility.

PM Modi received a warm welcome upon his arrival in Bhopal, greeted by a large crowd of women waving the Tricolour.

Traveling in an open jeep, he acknowledged the enthusiastic reception from the public, alongside Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and BJP state unit chief VD Sharma.

In a traditional gesture of hospitality, he was presented with a 'Sindoor' plant.