Bhopal Metro Test Run Moves Project Closer to Launch
The Bhopal Metro project has reached an important milestone with the successful completion of a trial run from Rani Kamlapati Railway Station to AIIMS Bhopal station on Tuesday. Conducted under the supervision of the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL), the trial run marks significant progress in the development of the city’s metro infrastructure, which is expected to transform the public transport system in Bhopal. The test also provided a vital demonstration of the newly constructed Railway over Bridge (RoB), which connects AIIMS Bhopal to Habibganj, making the metro accessible directly from Rani Kamlapati station to the AIIMS area.
During the trial run, the train, operating at a controlled speed of 10 to 20 km per hour, successfully navigated through DRM Office and Alkapuri stations. While the train’s speed was limited during this test phase, future trials will gradually increase the speed to its maximum design capacity of 90 km per hour. This incremental testing process is essential for assessing the metro system’s performance under different operational conditions and preparing it for eventual passenger use. The completion of the RoB was a key development, as it allowed the trial run to extend beyond Habibganj, where earlier tests had been confined in 2023. The RoB is considered a critical infrastructure component for the metro line, as it provides a seamless connection between key stations and forms an essential link between the two important areas of the city. With the bridge now operational, the metro’s ability to serve key localities, including AIIMS Bhopal, has been significantly enhanced.
The test run utilised a three-coach train, with each coach measuring 22 metres in length and 2.9 metres in width. The trial maintained the train at a controlled speed for safety purposes, with the goal of reaching the metro’s maximum speed only after further safety assessments and necessary certifications. These tests are crucial as the Bhopal Metro prepares for its projected passenger operations, which are expected to commence by mid-2025. Before this, the metro system will undergo extensive safety trials, which are a standard procedure to ensure the system’s reliability and security for public use.
MPMRCL Managing Director Krishna Chaitanya expressed his satisfaction with the successful trial run, highlighting that the focus now shifts to completing the remaining works on time to ensure smooth passenger operations. The goal is clear – to have the priority corridor, which runs from the Subhash Nagar depot to AIIMS Bhopal, ready for passengers by mid-2025. This target aligns with the city’s broader plan to develop an efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly public transport system. The Bhopal Metro project is a significant step towards modernising the city’s urban infrastructure, providing a cleaner, faster, and more reliable mode of transport to Bhopal’s growing population. The project is also aligned with the broader national vision of expanding metro networks across India, promoting sustainable urban mobility while reducing congestion and pollution. With the successful completion of this trial run and future tests ahead, the project is on track to become a game-changer for Bhopal’s public transport landscape.
As the city moves closer to the launch of the metro service, the focus will shift towards ensuring that all safety standards are met and that the system is prepared for smooth, safe, and efficient operations. The completion of the project will not only improve connectivity across Bhopal but will also offer a model for other cities in India looking to expand and modernise their metro systems. The Bhopal Metro is not just a transport initiative; it is a step toward creating a sustainable, eco-friendly, and future-ready city.
