At stations near busy routes, Metro to redesign traffic ops

Bhopal: Bhopal Metro authorities are set to redesign and implement a comprehensive traffic management plan targeting high-density areas surrounding key metro stations on the Orange Line and Blue Line. This initiative aims to alleviate chronic gridlock exacerbated by construction delays and ongoing expansions, repurposing metro project funds to enhance urban mobility.High-density zones like MP Nagar, Bhopal Railway Station, Jawahar Chowk, Board Office intersection, Pul Bogda, Nadra Bus Stand, and Prabhat Square face severe congestion from heavy vehicular loads, limited road capacity, and metro-related diversions.As per MPMRCL sources, the new plan includes transforming station vicinities with integrated infrastructure: wider roadways, enhanced signal coordination, dedicated bus stops, pedestrian-friendly paths and drop-and-go access without on-site parking to discourage private vehicles.For instance, at MP Nagar—a bustling commercial hub—the redesign proposes multimodal connectivity, reducing private vehicle dependency and improving flow toward Board Office intersection and Rani Kamlapati Railway Station. Similarly, underground stretches near Bhopal Junction, Nadra Bus Stand and Pul Bogda will incorporate precise traffic rerouting to minimise surface disruptions. Agencies like BMC, traffic police, PWD, and UADD have received MPMRCL reports for approvals, with Rs 30 crore already disbursed for road repairs and diversions.Official said proactive approach, part of Bhopal@2047 vision, coordinates metro development with road upgrades, promising smoother peak-hour movement and fewer accidents on narrowed stretches like Kendriya Vidyalaya–Subhash Nagar. Expected to roll out soon, it builds on lessons from metro-induced bottlenecks, fostering efficient last-mile connectivity, he added.