Indore/ Bhopal, September 5, 2026

Indore’s urban transport network entered a new phase on Saturday as Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the extended Metro service from Super Corridor-3 to Malviya Nagar Square.

The Rs 2,850-crore extension takes the city’s operational Metro network from nearly six kilometres to about 17 kilometres. Regular passenger services between Gandhi Nagar and Malviya Nagar Square will begin on Sunday, September 6.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Yadav linked Indore’s expanding infrastructure with India’s wider economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the country’s latest growth figures had created fresh confidence despite a difficult global economic environment.

India recorded real GDP growth of 7.8 per cent during the April-June quarter of 2026-27. It was higher than the 6.9 per cent recorded during the corresponding quarter a year ago. Manufacturing, services, investment and household consumption contributed to the strong performance. Official figures also showed that real gross value added grew by 8.2 per cent during the quarter.

Dr Yadav said the figures filled every Indian with pride and positivity. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s well-known “56-inch chest” expression, the Chief Minister said the country’s achievements gave people reason to hold their heads high and move forward with greater confidence.

The expression was first used by Modi during his political campaign years and later became part of popular and media discourse. Dr Yadav used it on Saturday to underline what he described as India’s growing economic strength and self-confidence.

Until now, trains largely operated along the six-kilometre Super Priority Corridor between Gandhi Nagar and Super Corridor-3. The additional stretch takes the service into more populated residential and commercial areas. The combined operational route now covers nearly 17 kilometres and 16 elevated stations. It connects areas including Gandhi Nagar, the Super Corridor, Bhanwarasla, Sukhlia, Vijay Nagar and Malviya Nagar Square, also known as Radisson Square.

Metro trains will run at intervals of about 15 minutes, with more than 80 trips scheduled every day. The first train will leave at 9 am and the last service will operate at 7 pm, according to details released ahead of the launch. Passenger services will start from Sunday. Commuters will be able to purchase tickets at stations or through the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation mobile application. The automatic fare collection system will support UPI, QR-code and e-wallet payments. Return-ticket passengers will receive a five per cent discount, while group bookings will carry a 10 per cent concession. Bonuses have also been announced for eligible e-wallet recharges through the Metro application.

The first six-kilometre section of the Indore Metro was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 31, 2025. That opening marked Madhya Pradesh’s entry into Metro rail operations. The larger Yellow Line project is planned as a 31-kilometre corridor with elevated and underground sections.

Union Minister Manohar Lal said the expanded service was an important step towards providing Indore with safe, convenient and modern public transport. The project reflects the Centre and state government’s effort to strengthen urban mobility in rapidly growing cities. The 17-kilometre corridor now takes the Metro closer to the areas where Indore’s daily traffic pressure is most visible.

Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, public representatives, officials and others associated with the completion and launch of the extended Metro service.