Bhopal, Dec 23: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Monday said Madhya Pradesh has achieved several significant milestones over the past week, including the inauguration of Metro services in Bhopal and the unveiling of the state’s first Bhopal Metropolitan Area.
Addressing ministers during his pre-cabinet briefing, the Chief Minister said the Metro train in Bhopal was inaugurated on December 20 in the presence of Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal. On the same occasion, the official map of the Bhopal Metropolitan Area was unveiled.
Dr. Yadav informed that the Bhopal Metropolitan Area will comprise Bhopal district along with adjoining districts of Raisen, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Sehore and Narmadapuram. The metropolitan region will include 12 urban bodies and 30 tehsils, covering around 2,524 villages with a total geographical area of about 12,099 square kilometres.
The ministers congratulated the Chief Minister and appreciated the series of initiatives and developmental milestones achieved by the state government in recent days.
Highlighting the launch of Metro services, Dr. Yadav said Bhopal has been added to the list of cities with modern public transport facilities. In the first phase, the Bhopal Metro is operating on a 7-kilometre stretch between Subhash Nagar and AIIMS, with eight stations.
He said that with the launch of Metro services in Bhopal and Indore, the two major cities of Madhya Pradesh have become part of an ultra-modern urban transport network. The Chief Minister also informed that the Central government has approved the construction of a 3.3-kilometre underground Metro stretch in Indore.
Dr. Yadav expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Manohar Lal for supporting the state’s urban transport initiatives.
Meanwhile, the state cabinet approved a budget allocation of ₹90.67 crore for the financial year 2025–26 for the operation and maintenance of the Bhopal–Indore Metro Rail Project. The allocation aims to ensure smooth and efficient Metro services for residents of both cities.
Officials said the decisions taken at the cabinet meeting reflect the government’s focus on infrastructure development, urban modernisation and improved public services, which are expected to benefit both urban commuters and the overall development of Madhya Pradesh.
