The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $190 million loan to build an underground metro line in Indore, the largest city in India’s Madhya Pradesh state, according to an ADB. The project will construct an 8.62-kilometer underground metro line with seven stations connecting congested areas of the city to the airport. The metro line includes accessibility features for elderly people, women, children, and disabled passengers, with ramps, lifts, CCTV cameras, and emergency response systems. The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited will implement the project, with operations expected to begin by January 2030. The initiative aims to reduce urban pollution, improve mobility, and create employment opportunities for women and marginalized communities in one of India’s fastest-growing cities.
Indore has experienced rapid growth, leading to traffic congestion, air pollution, and limited transportation options for vulnerable populations. The city requires better public transport infrastructure to handle its expanding population and economic development. Many residents, particularly women and disabled people, face challenges moving around the city safely and efficiently using current transport options.
The metro line is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 12,414 tons of carbon dioxide per year while improving air quality. “Indore’s rapid urbanization has led to congestion, pollution, and limited mobility for vulnerable populations,” said ADB Country Director for India Mio Oka. “This project will not only modernize public transport but also empower women and marginalized communities through targeted employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.” The project includes multimodal integration with existing bus services and commercial spaces at select stations for women entrepreneurs and self-help groups.
ADB will also conduct a multimodal integration study to optimize connectivity between metro, airport, railway, and bus systems. The project incorporates planning that benefits women and girls, with internship and training programs to build capacity among women in the transport sector.
The underground metro represents a major infrastructure development for Indore’s public transportation, offering cleaner air and improved mobility for millions of residents while creating economic opportunities for women and marginalized groups.
