Inauguration of metro rail service in Bhopal.
December 20, 2025... This date is the beginning of a new era in the history of Bhopal. When the clock struck 5:48 pm, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Manohar Lal gave the green flag and put Bhopal in the queue of metro cities. See the irony and coincidence that today the time of sunset was 5:40, but exactly 8 minutes later when darkness started to set in, a new 'sunrise' of development was taking place on the horizon of Bhopal.
This incident is not just about the running of a train, but about getting out of the 'Nawabi slowness' of Bhopal and catching up with the 'metro speed'. The announcement of 'Bhopal Metropolitan Area' along with the launch of Metro increases the significance of this project manifold. This is exactly the same vision which once changed the face of Hyderabad.
Scope expanded, rejuvenation took place
We need to learn from Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority. In 2008, Hyderabad broke the city limits and transformed the surrounding 7 districts into a 'Greater Region'. He first provided connectivity (Outer Ring Road) and then settlement took place. The result is that today it is a global IT hub.
Declaration of metropolitan area in Bhopal means that now Mandideep, Sehore and Raisen, Vidisha will not be separate islands for development, but will be the 'extended hands' of Bhopal. This model will save the city from congestion and create an 'integrated region'.
Also read- Bhopal got the gift of 'Metro', Union Minister Khattar and CM Mohan showed the green flag, the first ride, children also became companions.
Be it London's 'Tube' or Singapore's 'Mass Rapid Transit', case studies from around the world testify that public transport is not just a means of travel but an engine of the economy. Research shows that the contribution of the transport network in London's economy is up to 20%.
Challenge as well as opportunity
Now there is both challenge and opportunity for Bhopal. We have to strictly implement the policy of 'Transit Oriented Development'. This means the creation of high-density commercial zones around metro stations, so that people abandon private vehicles and adopt public transport. This will bring a 'paradigm shift' in the real estate and job market.
That green signal shown at 5:48 pm is a signal for the future of Bhopal that we do not have to stop now. This metro running on tracks is the new heartbeat of Bhopal, which will take the fortunes of the city to new heights.
- The author is the editor of Dainik Jagran's associate publication Navdunia, Bhopal.