Bhopal Metro Phase-2 2028 Target Faces Ground-Level Hurdles

Bhopal Metro's Phase 2 completion deadline of 2028 is encountering several ground-level obstacles, chief among them being delays in allied infrastructure projects, utility shifting and unresolved land-related issues. During a two-day inspection of corridors stretching from Karond to Bhadbhada, Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation managing director S Krishna Chaitanya evaluated construction progress and ordered officials to expedite work without compromising safety standards.

Metro officials highlighted the PWD overbridge project at Prabhat Square as a significant hurdle, as PWD pillars must be installed before Metro pillars can be erected between them. This project is projected to persist until late 2027, which could potentially disrupt the Metro schedule. Chaitanya conducted an inspection of the Orange Line, spanning from Karond to Pul Bogda, encompassing elevated sections, underground tunnel works, stations, pillars, and other civil construction.

Additionally, Chaitanya examined the Blue Line, running from Ratnagiri to Bhadbhada, which includes the under-construction Ratnagiri station, an elevated corridor, and civil works. The Qazi Camp land issue, which had caused delays, has now been resolved. A collaborative survey by the revenue department, Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC), and public works department identified approximately 90 affected individuals and tenants, who have been compensated. However, a separate cemetery-related matter is still pending before the court.