Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Indore Metro Underground Plan Draws Resident Safety Concerns
Residents in parts of Indore are worried about a planned underground Metro line.
They fear digging could crack old houses or affect borewells.
More than 300 people protested at Bengali Square.
The Metro corporation says the underground route was chosen to reduce disruption above ground.
It will use a large machine called a Tunnel Boring Machine to dig the tunnels.
The tunnels will be several metres below the surface.
Officials say buildings nearby will be checked before digging starts.
Sensors will watch the ground and buildings for changes.
Residents still want officials to consider another route.
More than 300 residents protested the proposed underground corridor between Bengali Square and Palasia.
Residents fear tunnelling could damage old houses, borewells and other structures.
MPMRCL says public and structural safety will be priorities during construction.
A Tunnel Boring Machine will dig 9-to-28-metre-deep tunnels with precast RCC ring support.
Building surveys and ground sensors will monitor structures within about 30 metres of tunnelling.
- Who
- Residents of Tilak Nagar, Goyal Nagar and Sainath Colony, and the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL).
- What
- Residents are opposing a proposed underground Metro corridor, while MPMRCL is promising safety surveys and monitoring before tunnelling.
- When
- Residents protested on the day before MPMRCL issued its advisory; the advisory was issued on Monday.
- Where
- The proposed corridor runs between Bengali Square and Palasia in Indore, with the underground section extending from the Airport area toward the railway station.
- Why
- Residents are concerned about possible damage to old houses, borewells and other structures; MPMRCL says the alignment is intended to reduce disruption to traffic and populated areas.
Residents’ concerns
MPMRCL’s assurances
Effect on buildings
Residents’ concerns
Residents fear tunnelling could cause cracks or other damage to old houses and nearby structures.
MPMRCL’s assurances
MPMRCL says buildings near the tunnelling zone will undergo condition surveys, while sensors will detect changes and enable corrective action.
Effect on borewells
Residents’ concerns
Residents are concerned that tunnelling could affect borewells and have requested an alternative alignment.
MPMRCL’s assurances
MPMRCL says construction will follow prescribed technical and safety standards, but its statement does not specify a separate borewell protection plan.
Choice of underground alignment
Residents’ concerns
Residents oppose the proposed alignment between Bengali Square and Palasia and want another route considered.
MPMRCL’s assurances
MPMRCL says the underground section was planned to minimise disruption to traffic, residential areas, commercial activity and public movement.
- Protesting residents
- More than 300 residents gathered at Bengali Square.
- Concerned colonies
- Tilak Nagar, Goyal Nagar and Sainath Colony.
- Tunnel depth
- Approximately 9 to 28 metres below the surface.
- Tunnel diameter
- Approximately 5.8 metres.
- Construction method
- A Mixed Face Shield Tunnel Boring Machine will be used.
- Building surveys
- Structures within approximately 30 metres of the tunnelling zone will be surveyed.
- Monitoring system
- Sensors will monitor the ground and nearby buildings for changes.