The Indore Metro project has entered a new phase of underground construction with the successful launch of its first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named ‘Narmada’, at the airport-area shaft. The machine will be used to construct the underground metro tunnel between Airport and Bada Ganpati, marking a major step in the city’s underground metro works.

The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) launched the TBM after completing its assembly and lowering process at the shaft. The operation involved specialised heavy-lifting equipment capable of handling more than 1,000 metric tonnes.

410-Tonne TBM Lowered Into Shaft

The TBM ‘Narmada’ weighs approximately 410 metric tonnes. Because of its size and weight, the machine was first assembled at ground level before being lowered into the underground shaft.

Engineers used a Megalift System and Strand Jack Assembly for the operation. The lifting arrangement has a capacity of more than 1,000 metric tonnes, providing the required support to lower the massive machine safely into position.

The shaft-lowering operation was one of the key technical stages before the TBM can begin underground excavation.

Airport-Bada Ganpati Section to Get Underground Tunnel

Once operational, TBM ‘Narmada’ will undertake tunnel boring work on the Airport-Bada Ganpati underground section of the Indore Metro.

TBMs are designed to excavate and support tunnels underground while limiting disruption at the surface. Their use is particularly important in densely populated urban areas, where conventional excavation could interfere more extensively with traffic, buildings and other surface activities.

The launch therefore marks the transition from preparatory underground work towards the actual tunnel construction phase.

MPMRCL MD Inspects Launch Operation

MPMRCL Managing Director S. Krishna Chaitanya was present at the site during the TBM launch and inspected the operation.

He congratulated the engineering team and metro officials involved in completing the technically demanding process. The successful lowering of the machine required coordination between engineering, lifting and construction teams.

A Multi-Stage Engineering Operation

Launching a large TBM into an underground shaft involves several stages, including machine assembly, lifting, controlled lowering and positioning.

In the case of ‘Narmada’, the machine was assembled on the surface before being moved into the shaft using specialised equipment. The use of the Megalift System and Strand Jack Assembly enabled engineers to manage the weight of the equipment during the lowering operation.

The next stage will involve positioning the TBM and preparing it for tunnel-boring operations.

Underground Metro Work Gains Momentum

The launch of the first TBM represents an important milestone for Indore Metro’s underground corridor. With the machine now lowered into the shaft, construction teams can move towards the next phase of excavation and tunnel development.

The underground section is expected to play an important role in extending the metro network through parts of the city where surface-level construction would be more disruptive.

For the Indore Metro project, the launch of ‘Narmada’ is therefore not only the deployment of a major piece of construction equipment but also the beginning of a new phase in the city’s underground metro infrastructure development.

Bhopal Metro is preparing for a major operational upgrade that is expected to improve train speed, frequency, and overall passenger convenience. The signalling system on the priority corridor between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS has been completed, paving the way for metro services to begin operating on both tracks from July, subject to final approval from safety authorities.

Officials associated with the project said the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has been invited to conduct the final inspection. The inspection team is expected to visit the corridor in the coming days. Once the required safety certification is granted, metro authorities plan to introduce a revised operating schedule and increase the number of train services.

The development comes as Bhopal Metro has faced criticism in recent months over its limited operating hours, low frequency, and comparatively slow service. At present, trains are running on only one track, resulting in longer waiting times for passengers.

Signalling Upgrade to Boost Capacity

Industry experts describe the signalling system as one of the most critical components of any metro network. It controls train movement, regulates speed, maintains safe distances between trains, and enables efficient multi-track operations.

Until now, the absence of a fully operational signalling system meant that Bhopal Metro had to run trains on a single track. As a result, trains travelling in both directions were using the same line, limiting operational efficiency and reducing service frequency.

With the signalling work now complete, metro services will be able to utilize both tracks simultaneously. This is expected to significantly improve operational flexibility and reduce passenger waiting times.

Technology Similar to Delhi Metro

According to officials, the system being introduced in Bhopal Metro is based on modern signalling technology used in leading urban transit networks, including the Delhi Metro. The technology allows better train management, shorter headways between services, and enhanced safety standards.

The newly completed signalling infrastructure covers the approximately 7-kilometre priority corridor between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS. It forms part of a larger signalling package designed for metro networks in both Bhopal and Indore.

Transportation experts believe the upgrade will allow metro authorities to make better use of existing infrastructure while improving reliability and passenger experience.

Benefits for Commuters

The introduction of the new system is expected to bring several improvements for daily commuters. Train frequency is likely to increase substantially, reducing the current waiting period between services. Metro authorities will also be able to schedule operations more efficiently during peak office hours.

Passengers are expected to benefit from faster journeys, more predictable schedules, and greater service availability throughout the day. Officials hope the improvements will encourage higher ridership and strengthen public confidence in the metro system.

The second phase of Indore Metro's Yellow Line is set to become operational from June 21, following its inauguration by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on June 20. The newly approved stretch between Super Corridor-2 and Radisson Square is expected to emerge as the busiest section of the metro network, serving a population base that could eventually reach nearly 10 lakh people.

According to officials, the new corridor will provide direct connectivity to several high-density residential and commercial areas, including Super Corridor, Gandhi Nagar, Lavkush, Sukhliya, Vijay Nagar, Scheme-78, Scheme-54 and Radisson Square. These locations witness heavy daily movement of office-goers, students and business travelers.

Metro authorities estimate that around 4 to 6 lakh residents will directly benefit from the corridor. When feeder bus services and other public transport connections are integrated, the reach of the network could expand to nearly 8 to 10 lakh commuters.

IT Hub and Airport Connectivity

One of the key highlights of the new route is its connectivity to Indore's growing information technology ecosystem. The corridor passes through areas housing major technology companies, including TCS, Infosys and Yash Technologies, along with the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), IT Park and several corporate offices.

The route also improves access to educational institutions, hotels and the airport area, making it a strategically important transit corridor. Industry experts believe the presence of thousands of employees working in these business districts will contribute significantly to metro ridership.

Officials estimate that daily passenger numbers may initially range between 25,000 and 40,000. As development along the Super Corridor accelerates, daily ridership could increase to between 60,000 and one lakh passengers.

Fare and Schedule Under Review

Ahead of the launch, the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) is finalizing operational details, including fares, train frequency and service timings. Senior officials are holding regular review meetings in Bhopal to ensure readiness before the public rollout.

The complete operational schedule for the expanded corridor is expected to be announced shortly. Once operational, the metro will run across approximately 17 kilometers and serve a total of 16 stations between Gandhi Nagar and Radisson Square.

Metro management sources said the inauguration was initially planned for June 15 but was rescheduled due to the Rajya Sabha election process. June 20 has now been finalized for the official launch ceremony.

Indore Ahead of Bhopal

The latest expansion further strengthens Indore's lead over Bhopal in metro development. Indore Metro's first phase was inaugurated on May 31, 2025, while Bhopal Metro's priority corridor between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS opened nearly seven months later in December 2025.

Metro officials attribute the faster pace in Indore to the fully elevated design of its corridors. In contrast, Bhopal's second phase includes a 3.39-kilometer underground tunnel section, requiring more complex engineering work.

Construction of Bhopal Metro's underground corridor is expected to continue until 2028. The project includes two underground stations at Bhopal and Nadra and will eventually connect key areas through the Orange and Blue Lines.

Future of Urban Transit

Urban transport experts view the Indore Metro expansion as a crucial step toward reducing road congestion and improving mobility in one of Madhya Pradesh's fastest-growing cities. With daily traffic volumes on the corridor already estimated at nearly 10 lakh commuters through private and public transport, the metro is expected to provide a faster and more sustainable alternative.

As the network expands further, authorities hope the project will encourage greater use of public transportation while supporting the city's long-term economic and infrastructure growth plans.