Passengers waiting for Bhopal Metro’s commercial operations will have to wait two months longer. Initially set for June, the launch is now scheduled for August 2025. The delay comes as Metro authorities are now focused on completing key metro stations and conducting a crucial load test.

The first phase of the metro will operate between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS Bhopal Metro Station. Work on AIIMS, Alkapuri, and DRM metro stations is still underway, while most work on the Subhash Nagar–Rani Kamlapati stretch has been completed.

Officials have set August 2025 as the new target for the start of commercial operations. Before that, the railway bridge ahead of Rani Kamlapati Metro Station will undergo a load test. If all goes well, the Metro Rail Safety Commissioner may inspect the track by May or June, paving the way for the final approval.

During trial runs, metro trains ran at 10-20 km/h between Rani Kamlapati and AIIMS. Once commercial services begin, trains will run at speeds of 70-90 km/h, reducing the 6.22 km journey to just 11 minutes.

The Estimates Committee of the Legislative Assembly recently reviewed the metro project and expressed dissatisfaction over the delays. During the inspection, metro officials had assured that operations would begin by August 15. However, the latest schedule suggests that the wait may extend beyond mid-August.

Bhopal Metro will initially operate with three-coach trains, but the stations have been designed to accommodate six-coach trains in the future. So far, six metro train sets have arrived in the city. In total, 27 train sets will be deployed, with 21 more expected to arrive in the coming months.