Alstom’s ‘Made in India’ Metro Launches in Bhopal

BHOPAL, INDIA – Alstom’s state-of-the-art Movia metro trains officially entered passenger service in Bhopal on December 22, marking a major advancement in urban mobility for the state of Madhya Pradesh. The inaugural service, part of a comprehensive contract that also covers the city of Indore, underscores a significant win for India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities with the entire fleet produced at Alstom’s Savli facility.

The commencement of operations was celebrated with an inaugural journey from the Subhash Nagar metro station, attended by high-profile dignitaries including the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, and the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar. The launch signifies the operational readiness of the priority section of the Bhopal metro line, which spans nearly 7 kilometers and includes eight stations. This initial phase is the first step towards completing the full 31.5-kilometer network planned for the city, which will feature 30 stations upon completion.

The Movia metro trainsets are engineered for modern urban environments, featuring lightweight stainless steel car bodies and advanced safety systems. At the core of the operation is Alstom’s Urbalis Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, which enables driverless operations and significantly enhances safety, frequency, and reliability. Each three-car train can reach a top speed of 80 km/h and is designed to accommodate a high density of commuters, with a total capacity of 1,125 passengers. The entire fleet of 52 trainsets for both Bhopal and Indore was manufactured at Alstom’s rolling stock facility in Savli, Gujarat, a testament to the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Alstom’s role in the project extends far beyond manufacturing. The company was awarded a comprehensive contract valued at €387 million (₹3200 crores) which includes the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 27 trainsets for Bhopal and 25 for Indore. The agreement also encompasses a 15-year comprehensive maintenance plan for the rolling stock and a 7-year maintenance contract for the signalling and telecommunication systems. This integrated approach, which builds on Alstom’s successful delivery for the Agra-Kanpur metro projects, aligns with the national vision of developing self-reliant and modern urban infrastructure across India, a goal frequently emphasized by Union Minister Khattar in the push towards a developed India by 2047.

Key Takeaways

• New Metro System Launched: Bhopal becomes the latest Indian city to launch a modern metro system, enhancing public transport and reducing congestion.
• ‘Make in India’ Success: The entire fleet of advanced Movia metros was manufactured domestically at Alstom’s Savli plant in Gujarat, highlighting India’s growing industrial capabilities.
• Integrated Technology Solution: Alstom is providing a complete turnkey solution, including rolling stock, advanced CBTC signalling, and long-term maintenance, ensuring operational efficiency and reliability.

Editor’s Analysis

The launch of the Bhopal Metro is a microcosm of the broader trends shaping the global railway market. It solidifies Alstom’s strategic dominance in India, one of the world’s most active markets for urban rail development. More importantly, it validates the “in-country for-country” manufacturing model, proving that complex, technology-intensive assets like modern rolling stock and CBTC signalling can be produced entirely within emerging markets. This success not only serves India’s domestic needs but also positions the Savli facility as a potential export hub for Alstom, capable of supplying competitively priced, high-quality metro systems to other regions. For global competitors, this signals a shift in the manufacturing landscape, where localized production and long-term service agreements are becoming the new standard for securing major infrastructure contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Bhopal Metro begin passenger operations?
The Bhopal Metro began passenger operations on December 22, with the inaugural trip departing from the Subhash Nagar metro station.

Who manufactured the trains for the Bhopal Metro?
The Movia metro trainsets were manufactured by Alstom at their 100% domestic rolling stock manufacturing facility in Savli, Gujarat, India.

What advanced technology do the new metro trains use for safety?
The trains are equipped with Alstom’s Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system. This advanced technology ensures high levels of safety, allows for shorter headways between trains, and increases line capacity and operational reliability.