Indore Metro Underground Route 2026: Stations, Tunnel Length and Project Details
Indore Metro is developing an underground corridor to improve connectivity through the busy central areas of the city and towards Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport. The original underground construction package includes seven stations: Indore Railway Station, Rajwada, Chhota Ganpati, Bada Ganpati, Ramchandra Nagar, BSF/Kalani Nagar and Airport.
The underground section is approximately 8.6 to 8.7 kilometres long according to the project documents. It is being developed using twin tunnels and Tunnel Boring Machine technology. This article explains the proposed route, station locations, construction package, technology and important project-status details.
Indore Metro Underground Route: Quick Details
Project: Indore Metro Yellow Line
Underground Length: Approximately 8.6–8.7 km
Underground Stations: 7 in the original construction package
Construction Package: IN-05R
Construction Technology: Twin Tunnel and TBM
Airport Connectivity: Included in the underground alignment
Implementing Agency: Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited
1. Where Will the Indore Metro Underground Route Be Built?
The underground section of Indore Metro is planned through important central and airport-side locations. The original underground construction package connects the Railway Station area with Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport.
The project includes underground stations at Railway Station, Rajwada, Chhota Ganpati, Bada Ganpati, Ramchandra Nagar, BSF/Kalani Nagar and Airport. These locations are important for railway passengers, residents, visitors and people travelling to the airport.
2. Indore Metro Underground Station List
| No. | Underground Station | Area / Connectivity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indore Railway Station | Railway station and city transport interchange |
| 2 | Rajwada | Old city and central commercial area |
| 3 | Chhota Ganpati | Old city area |
| 4 | Bada Ganpati | Old city and airport-side corridor |
| 5 | Ramchandra Nagar | Airport-side urban area |
| 6 | BSF / Kalani Nagar | Kalani Nagar and nearby residential areas |
| 7 | Airport | Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport |
This is the seven-station list identified in the original underground construction package. The final passenger station configuration and operational status must be checked through the latest official MPMRCL announcements.
3. What Is the Length of the Underground Metro Route?
The underground project documents describe a corridor of approximately 8.6 to 8.7 kilometres. The Asian Development Bank project page specifies an underground length of 8.62 kilometres. The construction contractor has described its package as approximately 8.65 kilometres.
| Project Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Underground Corridor | Approximately 8.6–8.7 km |
| Stations | 7 |
| Construction Package | IN-05R |
| Tunnel Type | Twin Tunnel |
| Technology | Tunnel Boring Machine |
| Route | Railway Station to Airport |
4. How Will the Underground Metro Tunnel Be Constructed?
The underground corridor is designed using twin tunnels. A Tunnel Boring Machine, commonly known as a TBM, is used to excavate underground passages. This technology is suitable for construction beneath densely populated city areas where extensive surface excavation can create disruption.
The tunnel construction process includes excavation, installation of tunnel lining segments, construction of cross passages and integration with underground stations. Construction teams also need to monitor ground conditions and nearby structures.
The IN-05R construction package includes twin tunnels, cut-and-cover sections, cross passages, ramps and seven underground stations.
5. Indore Railway Station to Airport Metro Connectivity
One of the major objectives of the underground corridor is to connect the Railway Station area with the Airport. This connection can help passengers transfer between railway and air travel using the metro network.
The proposed alignment passes through important central city locations, including Rajwada and Bada Ganpati. It is also intended to improve access to the airport-side areas of Indore.
The underground alignment should not be confused with an operational passenger route. Train services can begin only after construction, system testing, safety inspection and official commissioning.
6. What Is the IN-05R Underground Construction Package?
IN-05R is the construction package associated with the original underground section of Indore Metro. HCC and Tata Projects have been awarded the construction contract through a joint venture.
The contractor information describes the scope as construction of the underground corridor, twin tunnels and seven underground stations. The Asian Development Bank project page also lists the underground station construction tender and project financing details.
The project is being implemented by Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited. The Asian Development Bank is among the institutions supporting the wider Indore Metro project.
7. Will the Metro Route from Khajrana to Airport Be Underground?
There have been reports about changes and additional underground connectivity involving the Khajrana side and the Airport corridor. These reports refer to route planning and revisions beyond the original underground construction package.
The original IN-05R package and Asian Development Bank documents identify the seven-station underground section between Railway Station and Airport. Any additional or revised alignment from Khajrana should be treated separately until the latest official approval, detailed alignment and station list are published by MPMRCL.
8. Difference Between Underground and Elevated Metro
| Feature | Elevated Metro | Underground Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Above ground | Below ground |
| Structure | Pillars and viaduct | Tunnels and underground stations |
| Construction Method | Elevated civil structures | TBM and cut-and-cover work |
| Project Areas | Super Corridor and other elevated sections | Railway Station and Airport-side corridor |
9. Benefits of Indore Underground Metro
- Improved connectivity between the Railway Station and Airport.
- Better public transport access to Rajwada and old city locations.
- Additional transport options for residents and commuters.
- Potential reduction in dependence on private vehicles.
- Better integration with other public transport services.
- Underground construction can reduce the need for continuous elevated structures through dense city areas.
10. Current Status and Important Clarification
The underground construction package is separate from the operational elevated metro network. The original project documents identify seven underground stations and an approximately 8.6 to 8.7 kilometre corridor.
The operational Indore Metro network was reported by PIB on 5 September 2026 as having 16 stations across approximately 17 kilometres. The seven underground stations listed in the construction package should not be counted as operational passenger stations.
Route changes, construction milestones, revised station names and commissioning dates should be verified from current MPMRCL documents before being reported as final.
11. Official Project Sources
- MPMRCL Official Website - official metro project information.
- Asian Development Bank - Indore Metro Project - underground length, station scope and project tenders.
- Government of India Gazette Notification - notified Indore Yellow Line alignment.
- HCC Construction Contract Announcement - IN-05R underground construction scope.
- PIB - Indore Metro Operational Network Update - operational network details dated 5 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where will the Indore Metro underground route be built?
The original underground construction package connects the Railway Station area with Airport through Rajwada, Chhota Ganpati, Bada Ganpati, Ramchandra Nagar and BSF/Kalani Nagar.
2. How many underground stations are planned?
The original IN-05R underground construction package identifies seven stations.
3. What is the length of the underground metro corridor?
The project documents describe an underground corridor of approximately 8.6 to 8.7 kilometres.
4. Will Indore Metro connect the Railway Station and Airport?
Yes. The original underground project package is designed to connect the Railway Station area with the Airport.
5. Which technology will be used for tunnel construction?
The underground corridor includes twin tunnels constructed using Tunnel Boring Machine technology and associated civil works.
6. What is the IN-05R package?
IN-05R is the original underground construction package covering twin tunnels and seven underground stations.
7. Will Rajwada have an underground metro station?
Yes. Rajwada is included in the original seven-station underground construction package.
8. Is the Airport underground metro station operational?
The Airport is included in the underground project. It should not be treated as an operational passenger station until official commissioning.
9. Is Khajrana included in the original seven-station underground package?
No. Khajrana is not one of the seven stations listed in the original IN-05R package. Additional or revised alignments must be checked separately.
10. Where can I find the latest underground metro updates?
Check the MPMRCL official website, project notices and Asian Development Bank project documents.
Conclusion
The Indore Metro Underground Route is planned to connect the Railway Station area with Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport through important central city locations. The original IN-05R construction package includes seven underground stations and approximately 8.6 to 8.7 kilometres of twin tunnels. Rajwada, Chhota Ganpati, Bada Ganpati, Ramchandra Nagar and BSF/Kalani Nagar are among the important areas on this route. The underground stations are part of the construction project and should not be counted as operational until official commissioning. For revised route details and construction updates, refer to MPMRCL and official project documents.
