Bhopal Metro Project Faces Rs 3,000 Crore Cost Increase Amid Delays and Design Flaws

The Bhopal Metro announcements that echoed during the October 2023 trial run, attended by then-Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan before the Assembly elections, have now fallen silent.

Two years later, Bhopal residents continue to await their metropolitan transit system, as the ambitious urban transport project struggles with persistent delays, design flaws, and escalating expenses.

Defects in civil construction have emerged even prior to the official inauguration. At the Kendriya Vidyalaya Metro Station, engineers are now excavating three feet beneath pillars to provide adequate clearance for large vehicles, revealing serious oversight in the initial design phase.

A similar construction error was identified in 2023 near Pragati Pump, where pier height was insufficient for heavy vehicle passage. Authorities addressed this issue following NDTV's coverage.

The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) approval, critical for commencing operations, remains outstanding. During this extended waiting period, the project's financial requirements have doubled.

The Bhopal Metro initiative, first announced in 2009, has experienced continuous postponements. The Detailed Project Report was only completed in 2016, with the initial work order issued in 2018.

Shortly before the 2018 Assembly elections, central government approval was granted for both Bhopal and Indore metro projects, with officials promising operational service by 2022.

The metro's first corridor stretches 16.05 km from AIIMS to Karond, but only the 6.22 km priority section between AIIMS and Subhash Nagar approaches completion.

Officials acknowledge that over 30 percent of civil construction remains incomplete at multiple locations, while CMRS inspection teams continue their assessment.

A survey of the project corridor reveals widespread neglect:

At Rani Kamlapati Station, the ramp remains unfinished with an open drainage ditch near Gate No. 1.

AIIMS Station has only its structural framework completed, with entrance and exit work on the opposite side still pending.

Alkapuri Gate has installed lifts and escalators, but approach roadways remain incomplete.

DRM Office Station has 30 percent outstanding work, with non-functional elevators.

MP Nagar Station features an under-construction ramp with a hazardous open excavation adjacent to the walkway.

Currently, virtually no stations provide proper accessibility features for differently-abled passengers.

Urban development experts suggest the fundamental issue lies in inadequate planning. "Problems should have been identified during DPR preparation. Flawed planning inevitably leads to implementation challenges. Initial mistakes are now manifesting in construction issues," noted town planner Suyash Kulshrestha.

As construction stalls, political parties continue their blame exchange. Congress claims credit for initiating the metro during Kamal Nath's chief ministership, while BJP attributes the foundation to Babulal Gaur's government.

"The Rs 7,000 crore metro project was established by Kamal Nath. BJP negligence and contractor corruption have caused delays, wasting thousands of crores sanctioned by our administration," stated former Congress minister Jayvardhan Singh.

BJP leader and Bhopal Municipal Corporation Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi countered, "Congress only knows how to lay foundation stones. The metro project began under Babulal Gaur. BJP has prioritized development; the metro will soon operate, and expansion plans are already under consideration."

Originally budgeted at Rs 6,941 crore in 2017-18 for the 27.9 km corridor, costs have now escalated to Rs 10,033 crore. Officials indicate a revised completion timeline may be announced soon.

When fully operational, the Bhopal Metro will cover 30.95 km, featuring two lines and 30 stations – 16 on the Orange Line and 14 on the Blue Line.