The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US190 million loan to support the development of the Indore Metro Rail Project, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing urban mobility, reducing pollution, and promoting inclusive growth in the largest city of Madhya Pradesh, India.

The project will finance the construction of an 8.62-km underground metro line with seven stations, connecting congested areas of Indore to the airport. Designed with modern features, the metro will incorporate accessibility elements for the elderly, women, children and persons with disabilities, including ramps, lifts, CCTV surveillance and emergency response systems.

According to ADB, the metro line is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions – by an estimated 12,414 t of carbon dioxide equivalent annually – and improve air quality in one of India’s fastest-growing urban centres.

This initiative includes multimodal integration with existing bus and feeder services, improving access to educational institutions and markets, added ADB. Commercial spaces at select stations will be allocated to women entrepreneurs and self-help groups, while safety audits and ridership data will guide future improvements.

A multimodal integration study will also be conducted to optimise connectivity between metro, airport, railway and bus systems. ADB’s support includes planning that benefits women and girls, with internship and training programmes to build capacity among women in the transport sector and collaboration with existing transit-oriented development (TOD) technical assistance to enhance Indore’s TOD planning and policy.

The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) will implement the project, with operations expected to begin by January 2030.

Image: Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited via ADB