Turning point for Central India: Bhopal Metro

Bhopal - The capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh is a historic city surrounded by natural beauty. Flourishing around 1707, the city was the capital of the former Bhopal State, a princely state of the British, ruled by the Nawabs of Bhopal.

In a developing city like Bhopal, which is located in the most dynamic & strategic location in Central India, the public transport system has to be on world-class level. For this, the Government of Madhya Pradesh has proposed the Metro plan, which is reliable, well maintained and have modernized systems.

Bhopal Metro Rail system is based on steel-wheel technology. The system is designed with an operational speed of 90 Kmph and it consists of 6 lines and a total of 86 stations out of which 72 are elevated, 5 are underground and 9 are at grade raised.

The operations and train movements will be designed on the ultra-modern driverless operated Metro systems.

The following table provides an overview of the alignment and stations.



The first phase of the Bhopal Metro project consists of 28 kms of “Line 2” and “Line 5” which is now under construction. This project will cost ₹80 billion approximately.

Each Phase is scheduled to be constructed in 4 years.


At present, the city size is about 733 square km. The population of the city is approximately 2.3 million and is projected to be approximately 4.3 Million by the year 2041. With a gradual increase in population, it makes it an absolute need to urgently start building a high-level mass rapid transit system so that city transforms and shapes as a transit-oriented urban development system.

Seeing the rapid increase in the population of India, the metro rail project aims at solving the massive traffic problems in metropolitan cities. Some more benefits of a Metro-based transport system are:

  • Eco-friendly – Causes no air pollution and Less sound pollution
  • Low energy consumption – 20% per passenger-km in comparison to road-based systems.
  • Greater traffic capacity – carries as much traffic as 7 lanes of bus traffic or 24 lanes of car traffic
  • Very low ground space occupation – 2-meter width only for elevated rail.
  • Faster – reduces journey time by 50% to 75%
Surely, the metro infrastructure will enhance the economy of the state and its provinces.

The idea of the metro was first proposed in the year 2016. But was approved in 2018 by Central government. A Detailed Geotechnical investigation study and monitoring of technical aspects began in 2018, followed by further steps.


Bhopal is a tourist delight place that has happily managed to retain its green and clean appearance. Adding another attribute to increase its civic convenience holds special importance in its socio-economic growth.

With a strong vision of enhancing urban infrastructure, Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) together with Sanfield India Limited has contributed towards the development of this project.

To have better stability in structure, POT-cum-PTFE Bearings are often preferred for the construction of such metro train tracks. 51 bearings with a weight of 4250 kN and 10 Bearings with a weight of 6500 kN has been supplied by Sanfield India Limited for its 1st phase. These bearings were successfully tested under the supervision of the client. Testing verifies that the product meets the functional, performance, design, and implementation requirements identified in the procurement specifications.

Sonic tubes, on the other hand, are push-fit type. A Specially designed rubber gasket for the bell mouth ensures quick installation and perfect sealing to keep the tube integrity and avoid the entry of other materials. We have delivered 835 Nos. of Sonic tube with a diameter of 40 mm and 1000 Nos. with a diameter of 50 mm for Bhopal Metro.

Apart from this, Sanfield has also supplied couplers in great quantities. 1000+ units of 25 mm diameter and 500+ units of 20 mm diameter is been successfully tested and delivered for this enormous project. Sanfield’s Rebar couplers are safe and proven design which is a must for Metro construction.

Metro projects always come up with several engineering challenges. For an Indian company like Sanfield, which holds notable experience in designing products for interurban transportation, the team has always overcome the circumstances and attempt to serve its client with the premier quality products.

Metro trains play a key role in urban development. It facilitates the smooth movement of goods and people within cities. On the contrary, it has a direct impact on our surroundings. However, the adoption and implementation of an urban transport plan can reduce the negative impacts and increase the positive impacts which have already been affected by Bhopal Metro.

Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan, continuous Monitoring of the environment and implementation of pollution mitigation measures have been applied by MPMRCL. This plan includes:

  • Checking the Groundwater quality
  • Regular assessment of Air quality
  • Installing Soundproof walls and sound insulating pads for noise reduction and vibration mitigation.

Bhopal metro is bound to cause minimal impact on the natural environment as the project is proposed in the existing urban built environment and the planned route is mostly on the existing roads.

The sites of Historical importance or archaeology are not interfered in any place on the ground for the alignment and there are enough clearance distance provided wherever such sites are nearby. Therefore there is no impact on any archeological site.

By creating direct and indirect employment, it will contribute positively towards poverty reduction.

With the timely decisions of its urban administration at state level, Bhopal is now on safer side. While many cities in the world who haven’t yet established an urban development authority, is now suffering from complicated implementation conditions and unreasonable construction costs, substantially jeopardizing the technical and financial feasibility. The selection of suitable rail technology is the reflection of the comprehensive transport scenario for today and the future.



www.sanfieldindia.in



Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

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