Indore Metro: Project Profile and Technical Review

The Indore Metro Rail Project (IMRP) is a large-scale urban transit system designed to enhance mobility and support economic development in Indore, India. This project profile details the technical specifications, infrastructure, and operational status of the network, which integrates advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling and modern Alstom rolling stock across a phased development plan.

Technical Specifications

The IMRP is engineered for high efficiency and safety, utilizing a standard gauge (1435mm) ballastless track system to ensure high ride quality and reduce long-term maintenance costs. The network’s core is the Alstom Movia rolling stock, configured in three-car trainsets. These lightweight trains are equipped with a regenerative braking system to recover and reuse kinetic energy, significantly improving energy efficiency. Passenger comfort and safety are prioritized through features like integrated air conditioning with germ control, advanced fire and smoke detection systems, and comprehensive CCTV surveillance.

Operations are managed by an advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, which enables high-frequency train movements with minimal headway, maximizing line capacity. To further enhance safety at stations, all platforms are equipped with Platform Screen Doors (PSDs), which prevent accidental falls onto the track and improve climate control within the station environment. The power supply infrastructure is robust, managed by a 750 V DC third rail traction system, ensuring consistent and reliable power for the entire fleet.

Key Takeaways

• Technological Benchmark: The project’s integration of CBTC signalling, ballastless track, and energy-efficient rolling stock establishes a new standard for modern metro systems in India.
• Economic and Urban Catalyst: Beyond transport, the metro network is a critical infrastructure asset designed to alleviate traffic congestion, stimulate commercial development along its corridors, and improve urban connectivity.
• Collaborative Funding Model: IMRP’s financial structure, combining national and state government funds with loans from international institutions like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and New Development Bank (NDB), serves as a successful template for financing future large-scale infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the full Indore Metro be operational?
The priority corridor of the Yellow Line (Phase 1) is now operational. The complete network, including Lines 1, 2, and 4, is being developed in subsequent phases. Official completion timelines for these future phases are projected over the next several years, pending construction and approval milestones.

Who is building the Indore Metro?
The Indore Metro is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The project involves a consortium of expert firms, including Alstom, which provides the trains and signalling system; DB Engineering and Consulting as the general consultant; and various civil and systems contractors like Texmaco Rail and Kalpataru Power Transmission.