Bhopal Metro Begins Operations with Alstom’s CBTC-Equipped Trains

Bhopal’s metro has entered service for the first time, with Alstom-built trains now running on the city’s initial operational section. The system uses domestically manufactured Movia trainsets and CBTC signalling as part of Madhya Pradesh’s wider metro rollout.

Alstom has announced the commencement of Bhopal’s first metro service, with the inaugural run aboard Alstom-built trains. The new Movia metros are equipped with the latest generation of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable mobility for commuters. The first train was flagged off from Subhash Nagar metro station in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar.

Under the 'Make in India' initiative, the Bhopal and Indore metro trainsets, a combined order from Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL), have been manufactured entirely in India at Alstom’s state-of-the-art rolling stock facility in Savli, Gujarat.

Ultra-Modern Metros Delivered in Record Time

In June 2022, Alstom was awarded a €387 million contract to design, manufacture, supply, install, test, and commission 52 Movia metro trainsets, 27 for Bhopal and 25 for Indore, along with 15 years of comprehensive maintenance. The scope also included the deployment of Alstom’s CBTC signalling system, advanced train control and telecommunications systems, each backed by seven years of maintenance.

Built in a record 14.5 months from the Notice to Proceed, the first Bhopal trainset was delivered in August 2023, followed by a second within just 15 days. The lightweight trains will operate at a top speed of 80 km/h across a 31.5-km network with 30 stations. The priority section now opened includes eight stations over nearly seven kilometres. Each train can carry 144 seated and 981 standing passengers.

Commenting at the launch, Olivier Loison, Managing Director of Alstom India, said the project marked "a proud moment" for both Bhopal and Alstom, reinforcing the company’s commitment to 'Make in India' and sustainable mobility. He noted that the Movia trains and CBTC system would significantly improve daily commuting while supporting India’s rapid urban growth.

Inclusive and Energy-Efficient Design

Engineered and built in India, the Bhopal metro trains feature eco-design principles, energy-efficient traction and air-conditioning systems with regenerative braking, smart lighting and advanced digital systems. Continuous CCTV surveillance, emergency communication systems, and intelligent monitoring features support passenger safety. The trains also include dedicated wheelchair spaces, ensuring accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.

The Movia metro trains for Bhopal are part of Alstom’s market-leading Metropolis metro family, which has been serving cities worldwide for more than 60 years. Alstom-built metros operate in major global cities including London, Delhi, Stockholm, and Singapore. In India, Alstom has delivered metro systems for Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kochi, and others, alongside international projects in cities such as Sydney and Montreal.

Source: Alstom Press Release