PM Modi Launches Major Transportation Projects in Madhya Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated three major transportation projects in Madhya Pradesh, including the Indore Metro Rail and airports in Satna and Datia. These initiatives mark a significant advancement in urban mobility and are part of the celebrations for the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The metro project, the first of its kind in the state, aims to enhance urban transit, while the upgraded airports will facilitate direct flights and improve connectivity. This development is a continuation of the region's rich transportation history, dating back over a century.
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PM Modi Launches Major Transportation Projects in Madhya Pradesh

Significant Transportation Developments Unveiled


Bhopal, May 31: During his visit to Bhopal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three major transportation initiatives, including the Indore Metro Rail, as well as airport projects in Satna and Datia.


PM Modi took part in the festivities marking the 300th anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered leader of Malwa.


The Indore Metro Rail project, a pioneering venture in Madhya Pradesh, signifies a major advancement in urban transit.


The Datia airport, which began construction in 2012 with an investment of Rs 21.18 crore, was completed in 2015 and upgraded to a full airport in 2023, ready for operations by 2024.


The metro system extends over 31.3 kilometers, with an initial six-kilometer segment inaugurated by PM Modi on Saturday.


The first phase includes five stations located at Gandhinagar and along the Super Corridor. The metro's rolling stock consists of stainless steel coaches designed in a white and yellow color scheme, ensuring durability and rust resistance.


Indore plans to have a total of 75 coaches, with 13 three-coach trains already delivered. Each train measures 67 meters and is equipped with advanced safety features, emergency buttons, intercoms, digital route maps, and LED TVs for passenger information and entertainment.


An audio announcement system has been integrated to assist visually impaired passengers.


The evolution of transportation in Indore dates back over a century, initiated by the Holkar rulers who constructed a rail line to Khandwa in 1870, completed within five years, with operations starting in 1876.


The first long-distance train service between Indore and Bhopal commenced in May 1956, and currently, around 100 trains operate daily from Indore's six platforms.


The metro now adds to the city's rich transit history, which has included various modes of transport such as elephants, horses, bullock carts, tongas, tempos, and bicycles.


The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited has implemented a third-rail system as an alternative to conventional overhead power lines.


The Datia airport, originally designed for small aircraft, underwent a significant upgrade with an additional Rs 70 crore investment, allowing ATR and 72-seater planes to land on its 1810-meter runway, which spans 118 acres.


With its inauguration, direct flights will begin between Khajuraho and Bhopal. The Satna airport, developed with an investment of Rs 30 crore, has its roots in an airstrip established during World War II.


The Directorate General of Civil Aviation granted it a license in 2024 for operations involving 19-seater aircraft, and it can now accommodate two aircraft simultaneously with a 1200-meter runway.


PM Modi also laid the groundwork for an ambitious Rs 778 crore project aimed at constructing ghats along the River Kshipra and transferred the first installment for the development of 1,271 new Atal panchayat bhavans, a project totaling Rs 483 crore.


Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized the historical importance of the day, recalling the Holkar rulers' contributions to rail infrastructure.


More than 150 years after the initiation of Indore's first railway line to Khandwa at a cost of Rs 1 crore, a new Rs 7,500 crore metro rail project is set to enhance urban mobility.


PM Modi received a warm welcome in Bhopal, greeted by a large crowd of women waving the national flag.


Riding in an open jeep, he acknowledged the enthusiastic reception from the public, accompanied by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and BJP state unit chief VD Sharma.


As part of traditional hospitality, he was welcomed with a 'Sindoor' plant.


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