The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a loan of USD 190 million to facilitate the development of the Indore Metro Rail Project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to improve urban mobility, decrease pollution, and foster inclusive growth in Madhya Pradesh, according to a company press release.
The project will fund the construction of an 8.62-kilometre underground metro line featuring seven stations, linking the congested regions of Indore to the airport. Engineered with contemporary features, the metro will include accessibility provisions for the elderly, women, children, and individuals with disabilities, such as ramps, lifts, CCTV surveillance, and emergency response systems,” the release stated.
The swift urbanization of Indore has resulted in traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and restricted mobility for vulnerable groups,” stated Mio Oka, ADB Country Director for India. “This initiative aims to not only modernize public transportation but also to empower women and marginalized communities by providing targeted employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.”
The metro line is projected to significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions, “by approximately 12,414 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent each year,” while enhancing air quality in one of India’s rapidly expanding urban areas. This initiative encompasses multimodal integration with current bus and feeder services, thereby improving access to educational facilities and markets.
Designated commercial spaces at certain stations will be reserved for women entrepreneurs and self-help groups, with safety audits and ridership statistics informing future enhancements. According to the announcement, a study on multimodal integration will also be undertaken to optimize connectivity among metro, airport, railway, and bus systems. ADB’s support includes planning initiatives that are advantageous for women and girls, featuring internship and training programs aimed at building capacity among women in the transportation sector.
Furthermore, ADB will work in conjunction with existing transit-oriented development (TOD) technical assistance to improve Indore’s TOD planning and policy. The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) will oversee the implementation of the project, with operations anticipated to commence by January 2030.
