Indore Railway Hub: 4 mega projects and Metro expansion to transform city connectivity
Indore is set to become a major railway hub with several large-scale infrastructure projects currently underway. The city is moving from being a terminal point to a central junction that will connect passengers in four different directions. These developments include a massive new rail line, station redevelopment, and the expansion of the Indore Metro.
What are the major rail projects for Indore
- Indore-Manmad Line: A new 309 km railway line approved by CCEA with a budget of ₹18,036 crore, expected to be completed by 2028-29.
- Station Redevelopment: Tenders for Indore railway station redevelopment were issued on January 24, 2025, with construction starting in March 2025.
- Bridge Reconstruction: Indian Railways approved ₹139 crore for the reconstruction of the road over bridge (103-C) at Indore yard to reduce traffic congestion.
- Line Extensions: Work is progressing on the Indore-Dahod rail line and the Mhow-Sanawad broad gauge line.
Indore Metro updates and budget changes
The Madhya Pradesh state cabinet, led by CM Mohan Yadav, approved a revised budget of ₹19,472.29 crore for the Indore Metro project. This is a significant increase from the original estimate of ₹7,500.80 crore due to additional alignments and modifications. The first 6 km phase was launched on May 31, 2025.
The extended 17 km priority corridor has received safety clearance from the CMRS. This section is expected to begin operations on June 21, 2026, which will help in establishing better transit demand and financial stability for the project.
How will the railway operations change
| Facility | Update/Change |
|---|---|
| Coaching Depot | Lakshmibai Nagar will be developed as a major coaching depot |
| Maintenance | Train maintenance activities will move to Lakshmibai Nagar and Mhow stations |
| Connectivity | New lines will open routes in four directions, removing the terminal limit |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Indore Metro extended corridor start?
The extended 17 km priority corridor is expected to start operations on June 21, 2026, after receiving safety clearance from the CMRS.
What is the status of the Indore-Manmad railway line?
The 309 km long project was approved with a cost of ₹18,036 crore and is targeted for completion by 2028-29.