The rollout follows the approval granted by the Commissioner Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), whose team inspected the priority corridor between November 12 and 15, examining track conditions, the depot, and train systems down to technical fittings. The line’s first trial run was conducted in October 2023, when then chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan travelled from Subhash Nagar to Rani Kamlapati station.
The priority corridor, stretching 6.22 km from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS, will open with eight stations. While essential civil and system work is complete, minor finishing tasks continue at stations including Rani Kamlapati, MP Nagar, Kendriya School, DRM Tiraha, Alkapuri and AIIMS. Officials said these pending works will not affect the launch.
Security has been significantly tightened ahead of the event, with private security personnel deployed across stations and senior police officers monitoring preparations. Escalators have been installed, and lift testing is underway.
Metro fares will mirror the Indore Metro model, with a week of free travel for passengers, followed by three months of 75%, 50% and 25% discounted fares. Regular fares will range from ₹20 to ₹80, applicable once the full Orange Line becomes operational. Ticketing will be handled manually, as the Automatic Fare Collection system tender is being reissued.
All stations will operate with pick-up and drop-off zones only, as the Detailed Project Report does not include parking. Post-launch, work will shift to the Orange Line’s second phase toward Karond and the Blue Line corridor from Bhadbhada to Ratnagiri.
