INDIA: Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corp launched passenger services on the Indore metro’s ‘Super Priority Corridor’ on June 1. This was the day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the city’s first line by video link on the 300th anniversary of the birth of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
The initial 5·9 km elevated section of the Yellow Line runs from Gandhi Nagar to Veerangana Jhalkari Bai; the five stations are named after prominent women, and the inaugural train was reserved for women. The line will eventually form part of a 31·6 km circular route with 29 stations including the airport.
इंदौर मेट्रो की पहली राइड महिलाओं को समर्पित! 🚇
— Indore Metro Rail (@IndoreMPMRCL) May 31, 2025
आज महिलाओं ने इंदौर मेट्रो में पहली सवारी का अनुभव लिया। #AhilyaBaiHolkarAt300 #IndoreMetro #NariShakti #WomenFirst #IndoreMetro pic.twitter.com/I2WWE1OcpZ
‘Today, Madhya Pradesh has received its first metro service’, said Modi. ‘Indore, already acclaimed globally for its cleanliness, will now also be known for its metro connectivity. In Bhopal too, metro work is progressing rapidly.’
The metro project was approved by the state and national governments in October 2018, and construction began in September 2019. In 2022 state project promoter Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corp awarded Alstom a €387m combined order to supply and maintain 52 three-car, 1 435 mm gauge Movia trainsets, CBTC and telecoms for both the Indore and Bhopal metro projects.
The trainsets are being produced at Alstom’s Savli factory in Gujarat, and the first was delivered to Indore in August 2023, 14½ months after the notice to proceed was issued. So far 14 of the 25 trainsets for Indore have been delivered, while eight sets for Bhopal have also arrived. Alstom will provide 15 years of FlexCare Perform maintenance services.
The lightweight stainless steel 25 kV 50 Hz trainsets have a capacity for 50 seated and 300 standing passengers, and a dedicated wheelchair space for passengers with reduced mobility.
The trains will operate at a maximum speed of 80 km/h. Alstom said the cars were developed with an emphasis on eliminating hazardous substances, and incorporate energy-efficient traction systems, regenerative braking and smart lighting. Knorr-Bremse supplied the braking and air-conditioning systems.
High-speed data transmission supports an automatic track inspection system, continuous CCTV surveillance and direct communications between the train operator and the control centre. The intelligent CCTV also offers unattended object identification and empty train detection, which can be used to support passenger counting during an emergency evacuation.
Alstom has also supplied its Urbalis Forward CBTC signalling and telecoms, and will provide seven years of comprehensive maintenance.
- Modi said ‘across Madhya Pradesh, extensive work is being undertaken in the railway sector. Just a few days ago, the central government approved the conversion of the Ratlam – Nagda route into four lines. This will allow more trains to operate and ease congestion in the region. The central government has also approved the Indore – Manmad railway project.’
