PM Modi Flags Off Indore Metro: On the historic occasion of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Indore Metro and inaugurated two new airports in Madhya Pradesh, signaling a new era in regional connectivity. With commercial services of Indore metro starting on May 31, these developments will make daily travel easier, create new opportunities for businesses, and help Madhya Pradesh grow as an important center for transport and connectivity.
Indore, May 31 — In a moment of pride and progress for Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the first-ever Indore Metro on Saturday, coinciding with the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar — a day of deep cultural significance for the Malwa region.
The inaugural journey, which started from Gandhinagar Metro Station and concluded at Super Corridor 3, wasn’t just a technical milestone but an emotional celebration for the people of Indore — especially its women. As the metro’s accelerator was pulled, local women onboard broke into spontaneous dance, celebrating both a new era of urban mobility and the legacy of a visionary queen.
Known as India’s cleanest city, Indore now takes a significant leap toward modern infrastructure and sustainable transport, with its metro rail finally hitting the tracks. The launch reflects not only a boost to connectivity but also a tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar’s enduring influence on the region’s identity and development.
Indore Metro Rolls Out Free Rides and Limited-Time Discounts to Win Over Commuters
In a strategic push to encourage public adoption, the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) has announced a generous introductory fare scheme for Indore Metro’s maiden phase. Starting with completely free rides during the first week, the plan progressively scales down the discount to make the transition from private to public transport smoother for everyday commuters.
From the second week of operations, metro fares will carry a 75% discount, dropping to 50% in the third, and settling at 25% off through the end of the third month. The approach not only incentivizes trial usage but also promotes long-term behavioural change in how Indore travels.
Operating Schedule and Frequency
At present, trains will run daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with services at 30-minute intervals. This adds up to 50 trips per day — 25 in each direction — offering timely and reliable connectivity during key commuting hours.
Super Priority Corridor: Where the Journey Begins
The current 5.9-kilometer stretch includes five operational stations along the Yellow Line’s Super Priority Corridor:
- Gandhinagar Station
- Super Corridor 6
- Super Corridor 5
- Super Corridor 4
- Super Corridor 3
While only a portion of the line is currently active, the complete Yellow Line is set to cover 31 kilometers with 28 stations, connecting Indore’s major residential, commercial, and institutional zones. Once fully operational, fares will range from ₹20 to ₹80, depending on the number of zones traveled.
Smart Ticketing for a Smart City
In line with Indore’s identity as one of India’s leading smart cities, the metro has introduced a QR-code based ticketing system in its first phase. Additional digital options — including UPI payments, mobile ticketing apps, and smart cards — will be rolled out progressively, ensuring a fully digital and commuter-friendly transit experience.
Indore Metro Prioritizes Passenger Comfort, Accessibility, and Smart Safety Features
The Indore Metro has been built with a strong focus on commuter comfort, inclusivity, and technology-driven safety. Each train is fully air-conditioned with a total capacity of 980 passengers, while stations are equipped with lifts, escalators, Braille signs, tactile tiles, and wheelchair-friendly amenities.
For safety, CCTV cameras cover all stations and depots, supported by emergency buttons, intercoms, and audio announcements for the visually impaired. Passengers also have access to clean toilets, drinking water, and dedicated seating.
A QR-based ticketing system has been introduced, and the metro will eventually adopt AI-enabled tracking and a central control system. However, manual ticketing will be used initially following a probe into the Türkiye-based vendor assigned the automatic fare collection (AFC) contract.
To boost last-mile connectivity, MPMRCL is in talks with AICTSL to link metro stations with city buses. A new corridor from Bada Ganpati to Indore Airport via the Super Corridor and Luvkush Square is also under consideration.
PM Modi Inaugurates Satna and Datia Airports to Boost Air Connectivity in Bundelkhand and Bhind
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially launched new airports in Satna and Datia, marking a significant enhancement in air travel connectivity for the Bundelkhand and Bhind regions of Madhya Pradesh. These new facilities are expected to improve access to remote areas, promote regional development, and open up fresh opportunities for tourism, business, and education.
The upgraded Satna Airport recently celebrated its first women-operated flight, symbolizing progress and inclusivity. It will serve as a vital gateway for pilgrims visiting nearby religious sites like Maihar’s Sharda Devi Temple and Chitrakoot, as well as for industries such as mining and cement manufacturing.
Similarly, the Datia Airport will strengthen the region’s transportation infrastructure, making travel more efficient and supporting economic growth. Together, these airports reflect the government’s focus on enhancing connectivity in central India and ensuring that Bundelkhand and Bhind benefit from improved infrastructure and increased investment.
With these new airports, Madhya Pradesh moves closer to becoming a central aviation hub, improving quality of life and connectivity for its people.
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