Bhopal Metro to begin public services on December 21; 17 daily trips, minimum fare ₹20

The metro will be inaugurated on December 20 by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who will also review the project by travelling on the corridor. Commercial operations for the public will begin at 9 am the following day.

The operational corridor is part of the Orange Line and includes eight stations — Subhash Nagar, Kendriya School, DB Mall, MP Nagar, Rani Kamlapati, DRM Office, Alkapuri and AIIMS. Services will run nine trips from AIIMS to Subhash Nagar and eight in the reverse direction. The first train will depart AIIMS at 9 am, while the last service will leave at 5 pm. The end-to-end journey time is approximately 40 minutes.

Bhopal Metro Rail Corporation officials said fares have been divided into three zones. Travel across up to two stations will cost ₹20, journeys covering three to five stations ₹30, and trips spanning six to eight stations ₹40. No concessional fares or introductory discounts will be offered.

Each three-coach train has a total capacity of 980 passengers, with seating for around 150 and standing space for the rest. Trains will halt for about two minutes at each station. Platform screen doors and train doors will open simultaneously, guided by automated announcements.

The metro is fully air-conditioned and equipped with CCTV cameras, emergency intercoms and accessibility features, including wheelchair spaces, tactile tiles and Braille signage. Emergency buttons allow passengers to contact the driver, who can alert station staff in advance.