The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $190 million loan to support the Indore Metro Rail Project, a major urban transport initiative aimed at easing congestion, improving mobility, and reducing pollution in Madhya Pradesh’s largest city.
The project will finance the construction of an 8.62-kilometer underground metro corridor with seven modern stations, linking high-density areas of Indore to the airport. The metro will feature universal accessibility measures such as ramps, lifts, CCTV surveillance, and emergency response systems, ensuring safe and convenient travel for the elderly, women, children, and persons with disabilities.
“Indore’s rapid urbanization has led to congestion, pollution, and limited mobility for vulnerable populations,” said Mio Oka, ADB Country Director for India. “This project will not only modernize public transport but also empower women and marginalized communities through targeted employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.”
The metro line is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 12,414 tons of CO₂ equivalent annually, significantly improving air quality in one of India’s fastest-growing cities.
The initiative also promotes multimodal integration by connecting the metro with buses, feeder services, the airport, and railway systems. To strengthen social impact, commercial spaces at select stations will be allocated to women entrepreneurs and self-help groups. In addition, safety audits and ridership data will inform continuous service improvements.
ADB’s support will extend to transport-oriented development (TOD) planning, including a multimodal integration study to optimize connectivity. The project will also feature capacity-building programs for women through internships and training in the transport sector, helping increase female participation in infrastructure development.
The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) will implement the project, with operations expected to commence by January 2030.
The Indore Metro is expected to transform urban transport in the city, delivering faster, safer, and more sustainable mobility while fostering inclusive growth.
