The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a $190 million loan for Indore’s metro rail project. The initiative will build an underground metro line, modernize public transport, and create opportunities for women and marginalized communities, aiming to reduce pollution, improve mobility, and foster inclusive growth in Madhya Pradesh’s largest city.

Introduction:

Indore, the bustling commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, is set for a major transformation in its public transport landscape. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $190 million loan to support the Indore Metro Rail Project, a move expected to ease congestion, cut pollution, and empower vulnerable communities.

A Game-Changer for Urban Mobility:

The approved project focuses on the construction of an 8.62-kilometer underground metro line with seven modern stations. This crucial stretch will connect Indore’s highly congested areas to the city’s airport, significantly reducing travel time and easing traffic bottlenecks. Designed with state-of-the-art features, the stations will include:

According to ADB’s Country Director for India, Mio Oka, “Indore’s rapid urbanization has led to congestion, pollution, and limited mobility for vulnerable populations. This project will not only modernize public transport but also empower women and marginalized communities.”

Promoting Inclusive Growth:

The metro project goes beyond mobility—it is designed to be an engine of inclusive economic development. Women and self-help groups will have access to commercial spaces at select stations, providing new platforms for entrepreneurship. Training, internship, and capacity-building programs will also be introduced to increase women’s participation in the transport sector.

Additionally, the project’s design ensures safety audits and monitoring of ridership data to continuously improve user experience.

Environmental Benefits:

Indore, like many Indian cities, struggles with deteriorating air quality due to rising vehicular traffic. The new metro system is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 12,414 tons of CO₂ equivalent annually. Cleaner air, reduced dependence on private vehicles, and improved connectivity are expected to enhance the city’s livability.

Seamless Connectivity through Multimodal Integration:

The initiative emphasizes multimodal integration by linking the metro with existing bus and feeder services, educational hubs, commercial markets, and other transit networks. A detailed multimodal study will align the metro with Indore’s airport, railway, and bus terminals. This will ensure smooth transfers and create a more efficient, passenger-friendly ecosystem.

The project also ties into Indore’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy, which aims to promote sustainable growth by developing residential and commercial spaces around high-capacity transit corridors.

Implementation Timeline:

The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) has been entrusted with implementing the project. Operations are expected to begin by January 2030, aligning with Indore’s aspirations to become a smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban hub.

Conclusion:

The $190 million ADB-backed Indore Metro project is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it is a blueprint for sustainable, inclusive urban growth. With modern mobility solutions, environmental safeguards, and opportunities for women and marginalized groups, Indore is poised to become a model smart city, driving development while safeguarding its communities and environment.

Source: ADB – Press Release | Image Credit: ADB

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