Cabinet minister Vijayvargiya urges Indore Metro officials to explore underground route options.

The proposed route of the Indore Metro has come under renewed scrutiny after Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya urged officials to explore the feasibility of an underground section from Palasia to the airport. The suggestion was made during a route inspection conducted on Wednesday at 56 Dukan, where Vijayvargiya was joined by Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava and other public representatives.

The delegation proposed that the Metro line should go underground after Palasia, passing through MG Road and Bada Ganpati, before heading to the airport. The minister expressed concerns that the existing elevated plan could disrupt key infrastructure and urban spaces.

Following the inspection, Vijayvargiya chaired a meeting at the AICTSL office, directing officials of the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) to examine alternative alignments and prepare a feasibility report. “No decision will be made that is not in the city's best interest,” he said. “We aim to make the Metro a profitable project that complements the city’s infrastructure rather than burdens it.”

On the timeline for commercial operations, Vijayvargiya noted that the Metro will only begin service when financially viable through adequate ridership. While the 5.9 km priority corridor between Gandhi Nagar Station and Station No. 3 on Super Corridor had its first trial run in September 2023, the commercial launch—originally set for late 2024 and then March 2025—remains pending.

The Metro Rail Safety Commissioner's inspection was completed last month, and MPMRCL is awaiting the final report. Vijayvargiya indicated that extending the operational stretch to the 17.5 km corridor from Gandhi Nagar Square to Radisson Square could be key to achieving sustainable ridership before launch.

ET