Bhopal News: Metro Project Cost Rises To ₹1,200 Crore
The Bhopal Metro project, now costing Rs 10,033 crore, has faced multiple delays and budget increases since its planning began. Originally approved in 2018, the system’s first phase is set to open by June 2028. Officials highlight its benefits for traffic, the environment, and future urban growth.
The project’s initial plans were laid out in 2015, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared that year. Approvals came in 2018, and construction soon followed. However, costs rose sharply due to a mix of factors: land acquisition and resettlement expenses exceeded estimates, while material and construction prices climbed. Design tweaks, route extensions, and stricter safety measures also added to the bill.
Delays played a major role in the budget surge. A two-year pause in tendering, Covid-19 disruptions, and GST rate adjustments all pushed timelines back. Higher interest and financing charges piled up as a result. Additional costs came from relocating utilities, meeting environmental rules, and upgrading train axle loads to handle heavier carriages. Phase 1 will cover two key routes: the Orange Line from Karond to AIIMS and the Blue Line from Bhadbhada Square to Ratnagiri Tiraha. By 2031-32, daily ridership is projected to hit 3.5 lakh passengers. The system aims to cut traffic jams and speed up travel times across the city. Beyond fares, the Metro will earn revenue through advertising, station branding, and renting out commercial spaces. Managing Director S Krishna Chaitanya called it a forward-looking project that balances urban needs with environmental care. Once fully running, it could save Rs 1,200 crore yearly in fuel costs by reducing petrol and diesel use.
The Bhopal Metro’s first phase is now scheduled for completion in mid-2028, despite years of setbacks. With an expanded budget and higher ridership forecasts, the system is designed to ease congestion, lower fuel expenses, and generate commercial income. Officials stress its role in shaping a more sustainable city transport network.
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