Soil testing is continuing for the second corridor of the Bhopal Metro, the Blue Line. Testing has already been conducted near Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre (Minto Hall) and along ITI-JK Road to assess ground strength for upcoming stations and pillars.
Officials stated that soil testing is crucial before construction, ensuring the ground can support metro infrastructure. The Blue Line will stretch 13 kilometres from Bhadbhada Square to Ratnagiri Square, featuring 14 stations. The total project cost is estimated at Rs 1,006 crore, marking a significant step in Bhopal’s metro expansion.
Two types of soil testing are being conducted: one for station sites and another for pillar foundations. Testing has been completed for pillars near ITI on Raisen Road and JK Road. Meanwhile, soil assessment for the station at Minto Hall and several other locations is currently underway.
Metro projects typically use methods like Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) and Plate Load Testing to assess soil stability. These tests help engineers design strong, cost-effective foundations suited to the area's geological conditions, reducing risks of settlement or structural failure.
The Blue Line will include major stops such as Bhadbhada Square, Jawahar Square, Roshanpura, Prabhat Square, Govindpura, and Indrapuri. The final station at Bogda Pul will serve as an interchange, connecting the Blue and Orange metro lines to improve citywide connectivity.
The Bogda Pul interchange section is strategically positioned near Subhash Nagar and AIIMS, making it vital for seamless transfers.
