Bhopal Metro Phase II to Impact Fewer Properties Compared to Phase I
The second phase of the Bhopal Metro project, which will feature the 14.14 km blue line from Bhadbada Square to Ratnagiri, is on track to begin construction before the end of March 2025. According to reports, Metro Phase II is expected to impact a significantly smaller number of properties compared to Phase I, with a one-third reduction in property disruptions.
The elevated blue line will connect key areas of the city, running from Bhadbada Square through Jehangirabad, Chiklod Road, and Raisen Road, before ending at Ratnagiri Tiraha. The route will be primarily elevated, and surveys have shown that the construction will cause primarily temporary disruptions along its path. One of the most notable aspects of Phase II’s construction is the significantly reduced impact on properties when compared to Phase I. The social impact assessment and resettlement plan submitted to the government show that Phase II will affect one-third fewer properties. This reduction is primarily due to the elevated nature of the route, which minimises the need for large-scale land acquisition or demolition.
The impact on properties is largely temporary, with disruptions mainly related to the removal of extended front sheds along the route. In particular, a stretch of approximately two kilometres on Chiklod Road (Jehangirabad) will experience temporary setbacks as sheds are pushed back to make way for the elevated metro corridor. Similarly, in areas such as Barkhedi, another two-kilometre stretch will require the removal of 10-feet front sheds, but these displacements will be reversed once construction is completed, depending on local policy. Beyond these areas, the blue line’s construction will cause minimal disruptions, particularly in terms of long-term displacement. The social impact assessment classifies most of the disruption as temporary shifting, rather than permanent relocation, meaning that the overall effect on local communities will be considerably less than in Phase I.
The private contractor for the project has ensured that the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) planning aligns with the findings of MPMRCL’s detailed five-year survey. This planning takes into account public consultations and the needs of various stakeholders, ensuring that the project meets both urban development goals and the needs of residents affected by the construction. The total cost for the Resettlement and Rehabilitation plan for the Bhopal Metro project, covering both phases, is estimated at Rs 446.87 crore. This cost reflects the government’s commitment to reducing the social impact of the metro construction, ensuring that displaced families receive fair compensation and support.
Once complete, the 14.14 km blue line will include 14 elevated stations, significantly improving public transport connectivity across Bhopal. The new metro line will serve as a vital artery in the city’s public transportation network, easing congestion, reducing travel times, and improving overall mobility. The Metro Phase II project has been carefully planned to ensure that it causes minimal disruption to the city’s residents, with most of the impact being temporary and reversible. The reduced number of affected properties is a welcome development, reflecting an increasingly sensitive approach to urban infrastructure projects in Bhopal. As construction for the blue line metro gets underway, the city is preparing for a future where public transport becomes more efficient and accessible. The successful implementation of Phase II will be a major step in realising Bhopal’s vision of a modern, sustainable, and connected urban centre.
