Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, has commenced operations of Bhopal’s first metro service with the launch of its domestically manufactured Movia metro trains. The system is supported by Alstom’s latest-generation Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology, designed to deliver safe, reliable, and environmentally sustainable urban transport.
The inaugural metro run was flagged off from Subhash Nagar metro station in the presence of Dr Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, and Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs. The Bhopal and Indore metro trainsets—ordered jointly by Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL)—have been fully manufactured in India under the Make in India initiative at Alstom’s advanced rolling stock facility in Savli, Gujarat.
In June 2022, Alstom secured a €387 million contract to design, manufacture, supply, install, test, and commission 52 state-of-the-art Movia metro trainsets—27 for Bhopal and 25 for Indore—along with comprehensive maintenance support for 15 years. The contract also included deployment of CBTC signalling, train control systems, and telecommunications infrastructure, supported by seven years of maintenance.
The project represents Alstom’s second combined metro order in India, following its successful execution of the Agra–Kanpur metro projects. Delivered in a record timeframe of just 14.5 months from the Notice to Proceed, the first Bhopal trainset arrived in August 2023, followed by a second unit within 15 days. The lightweight metro trains are designed for a maximum operating speed of 80 km/h and will serve a 31.5 km corridor with 30 stations in Bhopal.
The currently operational priority section spans nearly 7 km and includes eight stations. Each trainset can accommodate 144 seated passengers and up to 981 standing commuters. To date, nine trainsets have been delivered to Bhopal and nineteen to Indore.
Speaking at the commencement ceremony, Olivier Loison, Managing Director of Alstom India, said,
“Today represents an important step forward for Bhopal and a proud moment for Alstom. It reflects our strong commitment to the Make in India vision and to delivering world-class, sustainable mobility solutions. Our Movia trains and advanced CBTC signalling are designed to improve everyday travel for Bhopal’s residents by offering a safe, efficient, and comfortable commuting experience. Our collaboration with MPMRCL for both Bhopal and Indore demonstrates our dedication to supporting India’s rapidly evolving urban mobility needs.”
Engineered and produced in India, Alstom’s metro trains for Bhopal and Indore combine advanced technology with proven, reliable components. Designed with sustainability in mind, the trains eliminate hazardous materials and incorporate energy-efficient traction and air-conditioning systems with regenerative braking.
Smart lighting and ambient illumination further reduce energy consumption, while the integrated Train Control and Management System (TCMS) includes automatic track inspection and high-speed data transmission capabilities. Passenger safety remains a key focus, with features such as continuous CCTV monitoring, direct communication links to operators and control centres, and intelligent surveillance functions including unattended object detection and empty train identification. Accessibility has also been prioritised, with dedicated wheelchair spaces ensuring inclusive mobility for passengers with reduced mobility.
The Bhopal Movia metro trains form part of Alstom’s globally recognised Metropolis metro platform, which has supported urban mobility in cities for over six decades. More than 80 customers worldwide operate Alstom-built metro systems, including London, Delhi, Stockholm, and Singapore. In India and globally, Alstom has delivered metro solutions to major cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kochi, Sydney, and Montreal, reinforcing its strong legacy in urban rail transportation.
In India, Alstom is the only multinational provider of sustainable mobility solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio to meet diverse customer needs, from affordable mass-market platforms to cutting-edge technological innovations. The company is a key partner in India’s ‘Rail Revolution,’ supporting both freight and passenger movement.
Alstom operates six industrial sites and five major engineering centres across the country, not only fulfilling domestic project requirements but also contributing to international projects. By aligning with India’s modernization goals, Alstom has pioneered several breakthrough technologies in the country, delivering world-class rolling stock, rail equipment, signalling, and services.
Fully committed to India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, Alstom continues to strengthen its local sourcing and supply chain capabilities. The company remains a leader in advancing India’s rail infrastructure and is dedicated to supporting the nation’s vision for a more sustainable and self-reliant future.
