Indore Metro hits new milestone: Successful 17-km trial run to Radisson Square

K K Jha
Indore:In a historic leap for the city’s public transport infrastructure, the Indore Metro completed its first-ever full-length trial run today, covering an impressive 17 kilometers from the Super Corridor (SC03 Station) all the way to Radisson Square (Malviya Nagar Chauraha Station). This breakthrough trial signifies the metro’s seamless entry into Indore’s bustling urban core, paving the way for expanded commercial services and enhanced connectivity for millions of residents.The trial, conducted under the supervision of the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL), was executed flawlessly, with the metro train gliding through key stations including MR-10 ISBT, Vijay Nagar, Sukhlia, and others along the priority corridor. Starting from the existing operational hub at Gandhi Nagar and extending beyond the super priority corridor, the run tested the system’s integration across the 17.5-km stretch, demonstrating robust performance at speeds of up to 80 km/h. Engineers and technical teams onboard monitored critical parameters, confirming the line’s readiness for the next phase of operations.S. Krishna Chaitanya, Managing Director of MPMRCL, hailed the achievement as a testament to unwavering dedication. “This successful trial is a proud moment for Indore’s metro journey. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for their tireless efforts, innovative spirit, and exemplary teamwork. Their commitment has brought us closer to transforming urban mobility in the city,” Chaitanya said in a statement following the run. The event drew crowds of excited onlookers along the route, capturing the growing anticipation among commuters for a congestion-free commute.This milestone builds on the metro’s inaugural phase, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 31, 2025, which currently operates a 6-km segment from Gandhi Nagar to Super Corridor Station No. 3. The priority corridor extension to Radisson Square is the second phase of the ambitious 31.32-km project, estimated at ₹7,500 crore, designed to alleviate traffic woes in Indore’s high-density areas like Vijay Nagar and connect vital hubs such as IT parks, educational institutions, and the airport. With approvals from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) expected by late October, commercial services could roll out as early as January 2026, boosting daily ridership and promoting eco-friendly travel.Despite recent challenges, including curtailed operating hours to facilitate testing (currently limited to 3 PM–7 PM with two round trips daily), today’s trial underscores the project’s resilience and potential. MPMRCL officials emphasized that the expansion will integrate 16 stations, offering seamless links to densely populated neighborhoods and reducing reliance on private vehicles.As Indore Metro accelerates toward full operational glory, residents are optimistic about a greener, faster future. “Indore on the Move!” – a fitting slogan for a city redefining its transit landscape.