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The Madhya Pradesh government has approved a major realignment of the Indore Metro, shifting part of the route underground through key city areas between Khajrana Square, Palasia Square, and Bada Ganpati. The change follows public concerns over the elevated route's impact on traffic, properties, and safety. Though tunnelling will increase project costs, the government has pledged to fund the additional expense to keep timelines on track. The metro, spanning 31.32 km with 28 stations, aims to enhance mobility for 3.5 million residents. The underground shift reflects a citizen-centric approach to urban planning, ensuring smoother execution and long-term environmental and commuter benefits.
The Madhya Pradesh state government has approved a major change in the alignment of the Indore Metro project, allowing the line to pass underground through critical parts of the city. The decision affects the stretch from Khajrana Square via Palasia Square to Bada Ganpati, a corridor that passes through some of Indore's busiest commercial and residential areas. Authorities stated that the revised alignment was introduced after local residents and business owners expressed concerns about the elevated route's impact on homes, markets, and traffic movement. Advertisement
Construction on the Indore Metro began in 2019 as part of the state's plan to modernise public transport and reduce road congestion. However, the elevated structure planned for central Indore faced consistent resistance. Many residents argued that the viaduct and stations would not only increase congestion during construction but also affect property values and pedestrian safety. In response, the state government directed the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation to re-evaluate the design and propose an underground alternative.
Urban development officials mentioned that the underground route would substantially raise project costs due to tunnelling and technical complexities. Despite this, the government has committed to mobilising additional funds to cover the increase, ensuring that project progress remains on schedule. Authorities also admitted that flaws in the initial alignment had caused difficulties at major intersections and road crossings, pledging that the revised plan would prioritise better engineering and minimal surface disruption.
Currently, commercial operations have commenced on a priority stretch - the 6 km section from Gandhi Nagar station to Super Corridor station No. 3. The full Indore Metro network is planned to cover 31.32 km with 28 stations and an estimated investment of around INR 7,500.80 crore. Designed to serve the city's 3.5 million residents, the project aims to improve daily commuting, reduce vehicular emissions, and offer faster connectivity across residential and commercial zones.
The government's decision to reroute the Indore Metro underground demonstrates a responsive and citizen-focused approach to urban planning. Although the move will require additional expenditure, it is expected to ease future disruptions and ensure smoother execution in densely developed localities. By addressing public grievances and improving design efficiency, authorities aim to enhance both environmental and commuter outcomes. The revised alignment underscores a long-term vision to deliver an efficient, sustainable, and inclusive metro system that aligns with Indore's broader urban development goals.
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