The Indore Metro project will undergo a major revision, with a 3.3 km central stretch between Khajrana Square and the railway station now set to be developed underground instead of as an elevated corridor.

The change, aimed at reducing disruption in densely populated residential and commercial areas, will add an estimated Rs 9 billion to the project cost, which will be borne by the Madhya Pradesh government. The Indore Metro was originally planned as a 31.32 km network with an approved cost of Rs 75.01 billion.

The decision to shift the core stretch underground follows sustained opposition from local residents and traders, who had raised concerns over the impact of an elevated corridor on daily life, traffic movement and business activity. The revised alignment is expected to ease these concerns while ensuring smoother urban mobility in the city’s most congested zones.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the move reflects the government’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development with minimal inconvenience to citizens. He added that the underground corridor would help protect urban spaces while supporting Indore’s long-term transport needs.