# Bhoj Metro

The Bhoj Metro (also known as the Bhopal Metro) is an under construction rapid transit system intended to serve the city of Bhopal, India, the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The total system consists of 6 corridors covering a distance of 104.87 kilometres (65.16 mi). The first phase of the Bhopal Metro project consists of 28 km (17.40 mi) of line 2 & 5 being under construction. This project will cost ₹80 billion (US$920 million) approximately. There will be three types of run – on road, on bridges, and underground in some locations.

## Background

The planned Metro in Bhopal is a heavy metro system. This system consists of a Network of 105 km (65.24 mi) and with lines overlapping and branching. In May 2013. Ar. Rohit Gupta (Rohit Associates Cities & Rails Pvt.Ltd) consultants were appointed to prepare a detailed project report for the MRTS including the selection of the system for the city. Based on the multicriteria analysis and recommendations of consultants, the Government of Madhya Pradesh approved the inception report prepared by the consultant on 30 June 2014. As of 2 December 2014 Geotechnical surveys and formation of the company is being carried on for the implementation of the project. The project will be completed by 2021 with first phase in 2019. DPR approved by State Cabinet.
On 1 May 2019, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) gave in-principle approval to fund the Bhopal Metro project. The Union Government will stand as guarantor for the loan.

## Route network
### Phase 1

In Phase 1, Bhopal Metro will consist of 2 lines and 28 stations.
| Line Name | Terminals | Terminals | Length | Stations |
| Orange Line | Karond Chauraha | AIIMS | 14.99 km | 16 |
| Blue Line | Bhadbhada Chauraha | Ratnagiri Tiraha | 12.91 km | 13 |
| Total | Total | Total | 27.90 km | 29 |

## Status updates

* October 2018: DPR is approved by central government.
* November 2018: Tendering may start in December.
* December 2018: Detailed Geotechnical investigation study (soil testing) begins.
* January 2019: Dilip Buildcon begins construction of elevated viaduct between Shubash Nagar And AIIMS starts.
* April 2019: Dilip Buildcon begins pile testing.
* August 2019: Construction work ongoing. MPMRCL announced metro will start operations in 2023.
* September 2019: Project renamed to Bhoj Metro by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath while laying the foundation stone.
* Jun 2020: Metro construction ongoing near Subhash Nagar, AIIMS. Casting yard for girders work ongoing at Kanhasaiyan.
* Aug 2020: 80 pillars already constructed. Aim is to inaugurate the metro services before August 2023.
* Aug 2021: Bhopal Metro receives bids from 4 firms for the construction of 8 Elevated stations. More than 190 pillars constructed and 50+ girders launched. The expected operation for the priority corridor from AIIMS to Subhash Nagar (8 km) is by August 2023. However, the possibility of completion of phase-I work (Total 28 km) by 2023, seems bleak due to administrative laxity and less coordination between on-ground officials. 70% of the work of the priority corridor completed.
* September 2021: Bhopal Metro's construction work continues at very slow pace. Project outlay is expected to increase from initial estimates of Rs. 6941 crore to Rs. 9000 crore. Expected operation of metro in 2023 is very unlikely.
* October 2021: Metro construction work regains some pace. Bhopal metro construction nearing its 100th girder launching. More than 95 girders launched on Line 2 stretch between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar (6.3 Km). However, no work has started on the remaining stretch of Line 2 (Subhash Nagar to Karond) and Line 5 (Depot Square to Ratnagiri) which are proposed to be completed in Phase-I by 2023. Construction agency for Metro Depot near Jinsi is likely to be finalized in second week of November.
* November 2021: MPMRCL has invited global tenders for supply of rail and electrical system for the Bhopal Metro Project. Foundation stone for construction of eight metro stations between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar laid. Chennai based URC Construction starts on-field work for metro station. Metro in Bhopal is slated to be launched by the end of 2023. Tender also launched for supply of 81 Metro cars for Bhopal Metro. Girder launching continues between DB City and Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, the only section left for girder launching in the priority corridor between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar (6.3 km).
* March 2022: KEC International-SAM India JV has won the contract for the construction of Subhash Nagar Metro Depot. The firm is likely to commence groundwork in April 2022, the construction work of Depot involving an estimated cost of Rs. 323 crores. Segment launching near Rani Kamlapati Railway station is continuing at a very slow pace. No concrete work is yet visible for the construction of 8 metro stations in the priority corridor.
* May 2023: MPMRCL receives in-principle approval by Indian Railways to construct a railway overbridge, connecting RKMP Metro station to the Orange Line stations towards AIIMS.
* September 2023: Rolling stock for Bhopal Metro's Orange Line has been delivered by Alstom and unloaded at the Subhash Nagar Depot. The trial runs are expected to start soon, and will be carried out between the Subhash Nagar and Rani Kamlapati Railway Station metro stations.
* October 2023: 7 firms submit bids for civil contract of package BH-05 - construction of 13 stations and elevated viaduct for the Blue line.
* December 2023: L&T completes track laying on the priority corridor. Civil Contract for package BH-03 - construction of 6 elevated stations on Orange Line including an interchange station at Pul Bogda and elevated viaduct has been awarded to URCC.
* February 2024: A KPIL and Gulemark Joint Venture has been awarded the civil contract for the underground package BH-04 - twin tunnels to connect two ramps via stations at Nadra Bus Stand and Bhopal Junction.
* April 2024: Survey conducted for third line.