Vijayvargiya urges Metro officials to explore underground route options

Indore: The proposed route of Indore Metro has once again become a point of contention, with cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya voicing his opposition to the current plan. He urged officials of Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) to explore the feasibility of developing an underground route specifically from Palasia to airport.
On Wednesday, Vijayvargiya, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, and other public representatives reviewed the Metro's route plan at 56 Dukan in the presence of Metro officials. They suggested that the Metro should go underground after Palasia, passing through MG Road, and then extending towards Bada Ganpati and airport.
Following his inspection, Vijayvargiya held a meeting at AICTSL office and stated his reservations. He expressed concerns that the current plan could disrupt existing infrastructure and requested officials to prepare a report on potential alternative routes.
"No decision will be made that is not in the city's best interest. We want to make Metro a profitable project and not to burden the city. Another round of discussions with officials will be held soon," he said.
Regarding the commencement of commercial operations, Vijayvargiya said, "We will not operate the Metro at a loss. Proper planning will be done before its launch," he said. The initial phase of operations will focus on a 5.90 km priority corridor connecting Gandhi Nagar station to station number three on Super Corridor, which underwent its first trial run in Sept 2023.
MPMRCL had initially planned to start the commercial run on this stretch by the end of 2024, which was extended to the end of March this year.
The inspection by commissioner of Metro rail safety was completed last month, and now MPMRCL officials are waiting for the final report to start the commercial run.
The minister, however, indicated that financial viability through ridership will be the basis for starting the commercial run. The same is expected to be achieved by running the train on the approximately 17.5 km-long priority corridor from Gandhi Nagar Square to Hotel Radisson Square.