Alstom has marked another major milestone in India’s rapidly expanding urban rail network, with the commencement of revenue operations on the latest section of the Indore Metro Yellow Line.
The opening represents the next stage in the development of the Madhya Pradesh city’s metro system and builds on the successful launch of the line’s super priority corridor. As part of its contract with Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL), Alstom is supplying 52 Movia metro trainsets, alongside a 15-year maintenance agreement that includes seven years of signalling, train control, and telecommunications maintenance.
The project further strengthens Alstom’s position as a key player in India’s sustainable mobility sector, with the company continuing to support the country’s ambitious railway and urban transit expansion plans.
Olivier Loison, Managing Director at Alstom India, said:
“This major milestone expands the reach of the Indore’s metro network, following the successful launch of the super priority corridor with Alstom’s solutions. We are proud to partner with Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. in this project delivering the trains, advanced signalling systems, and maintenance, from India. This marks our commitment to providing sustainable, efficient, and smarter transit systems to the people of Indore.”
The company highlighted that all solutions delivered for the Indore Metro project have been designed, engineered, and manufactured within India, supporting the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
With six industrial sites and five major engineering centres across the country, Alstom said it remains committed to strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, supply chains and domestic expertise while serving both Indian and international projects.
The Indore Metro Yellow Line will ultimately span 31.5km. The section currently in operation comprises a 16.72km main line featuring 16 stations.
Operations are supported by 10 Alstom-equipped trainsets, with the system running at Grade of Automation 1 (GoA1) and incorporating Automatic Train Protection (ATP). Infrastructure support is provided through the Gandhinagar Depot and Test Track.
Alstom has already delivered 23 of the 25 trainsets required for the line, underlining the company’s progress against its contractual commitments and reinforcing its long-term partnership with Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
The metro trains have been manufactured at Alstom’s Savli facility in Gujarat and have been designed with a focus on passenger comfort, accessibility, and environmental performance.
Each three-car train can accommodate 1,125 passengers, including 144 seated and 981 standing passengers, while dedicated spaces have been incorporated for passengers with reduced mobility.
The trains are capable of operating at speeds of up to 80km/h and feature energy-efficient traction systems with regenerative braking technologies, helping to reduce overall energy consumption. Additional sustainability measures include smart lighting solutions and ambient lighting systems designed to optimise power usage.
A key feature of the Indore Metro project is the deployment of Alstom’s Urbalis Forward communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling system.
The technology is currently installed on 190 metro lines across 32 countries and supports high-capacity, high-frequency metro operations by enhancing safety, reducing waiting times, and improving network fluidity.
Passenger safety is further strengthened through an integrated Train Control and Management System (TCMS), automatic track inspection capabilities, continuous CCTV monitoring, and intelligent security features, including unattended object detection and empty train identification. Direct communication links between train operators and the control centre provide an additional layer of operational resilience.
Under the 15-year maintenance agreement, Alstom will utilise its FlexCare Perform solutions to ensure the metro system maintains high levels of availability and performance throughout its operational life.
As one of the world's largest rail maintenance providers, the company currently manages and maintains more than 36,000 rail vehicles worldwide. Through its long-term support arrangements in Indore, Alstom aims to ensure reliable, stable, and efficient metro operations for passengers across the network.
Image credit: iStock
