The Madhya Pradesh government is preparing to launch the “Vande Metro” project in key urban areas to enhance public transportation, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced during a recent development review meeting in Indore. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the state to modernise and expand its urban transport infrastructure, aiming to provide a faster, more efficient commuting experience for residents.
Chief Minister Yadav highlighted the features of the proposed Vande Metro, which is expected to significantly improve urban mobility by offering speeds of up to 160 km/h, double that of the current metro rail’s maximum speed of 80 km/h. “This speed enhancement is expected to make commuting more efficient, cutting down travel times substantially,” Yadav noted, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving public transport.
One of the key developments under this initiative will be the extension of the metro network to Ujjain ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028. The Kumbh Mela is a major religious event that draws millions of visitors, and connecting Ujjain to the metro network is seen as a strategic move to manage the anticipated influx of pilgrims and tourists more effectively.
The Vande Metro project includes a range of passenger-friendly features designed to enhance comfort and safety. The coaches will be equipped with a 3X3 bench seating arrangement, maximising capacity while ensuring a comfortable journey for medium-distance travel. Each coach will also feature a wheelchair-accessible lavatory, making the metro more inclusive for all passengers.
Safety remains a priority in the new metro design. A talkback system will enable direct communication between passengers and the driver in case of emergencies. Additionally, the train will be fitted with the Kavach system, an advanced safety mechanism to prevent collisions. The design also includes wide corridors between coaches, providing easier movement within the train, along with spacious entry doors and openable windows for emergency situations.
Chief Minister Yadav also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to accelerating the Indore metro project. As part of this effort, elevated roads are planned to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance overall urban mobility in the city. “We are developing elevated roads to complement the metro system, easing traffic and ensuring smoother connectivity across the city,” Yadav explained.
Furthermore, the state government is moving swiftly toward establishing a metropolitan authority by integrating parts of Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, and Dhar districts. Yadav revealed, “We have prepared a blueprint to form metropolitan authorities in four cities. However, the best feasibility reports have come for Indore and Ujjain. Metropolitan authorities will also be formed in the rest of the metros.”
These metropolitan authorities will coordinate the planning, development, and regulation of urban infrastructure, paving the way for more streamlined governance and enhanced services in the state’s rapidly growing urban centers.
The introduction of the Vande Metro project, along with the formation of new metropolitan authorities and the development of supportive infrastructure like elevated roads, signals Madhya Pradesh’s ambitious plans to transform its urban landscape.
The Financial Express reports that these efforts align with a broader vision to position Madhya Pradesh as a leading state in urban mobility and smart city development, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.
