The Bhopal Metro rail project began operations on December 20, 2025. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the first 6.22 km stretch in the city. Commercial services will start on December 21 on the Orange line, called the "Priority Corridor," covering eight elevated stations from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS, Bhopal. Union Minister Khattar said, "India will soon overtake the U.S. in terms of the length of the Metro rail network." Currently, India ranks third worldwide in total metro rail length with 1,083 km. "With the addition of today’s 7 km, it will become a 1,090-km network," he added. China leads with the longest metro network, followed by the US at 1,400 km. Khattar stated, "With 900 km of Metro project in the pipeline, the country will surpass the US with the addition of 300 km soon." The Orange line aims to ease traffic in Bhopal and reduce pollution. The estimated cost of the entire Bhopal Metro project is ₹10,033 crore, with the Priority Corridor alone costing ₹2,225 crore. The initial stretch expects to carry about 3,000 passengers daily, officials said.