MP plans Metro rail for Bhopal, Indore

To ease mounting traffic pressure on roads, the Madhya Pradesh government is working on Metro rail projects in Bhopal and Indore.

The local self-government department has made a blue-print in this regard has initiated talks with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

“I have discussed the matter with E Shridharan, managing director of DMRC. A team of the corporation will visit Indore and Bhopal. Later a survey will be conducted to chart the routes,” Babulal Gaur, minister for local self government told Business Standard.

He said Bhopal is fast expanding with existing population of 2 million. The population of the town will be doubled in five years and the traffic will become unmanageable. “If we do not take steps in time, the town will have alarmingly crowded traffic. Further the development of the town is at fast pace so we need to take timely action.”

On arrangement of funds the minister said, “there is plenty of funds. We are in discussion with various bankers and financial institutions. The project will not only ease traffic congestion but will also reduce pollution and hazardous wastes emitted by vehicular traffic,” he said. He added that the project will take at least seven years to reach completion stage; the state has to start work immediately.

As of now, Bhopal has poorly managed traffic and scattered parking spaces. Though the project will cost Rs 12,000 crore approximately to the state, it will give a boost to commuters particularly from industrial areas like Mandideep. “The government has plans to chart metro rail route from Mandideep to Bairagarh” a source in local self government department said.