Alstom’s Movia trains and Urbalis Forward CBTC have entered revenue service, supporting safer, more efficient and sustainable metro travel in Indore.
Alstom has marked the start of revenue operations on the next phase of India’s Indore Metro Yellow Line, with its Movia metro trains and Urbalis Forward communications-based train control (CBTC) system entering service.
The project is being delivered for Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) and forms part of the expansion of metro services across Indore. Alstom’s contract includes 52 Movia metro trainsets and 15 years of comprehensive maintenance, including seven years covering signalling, train control and telecommunications systems.
Expanding metro capacity in Indore
The Yellow Line spans 31.5 kilometres, with a 16-station mainline covering 16.72 kilometres currently in operation. The line is supported by the Gandhinagar Depot and Test Track, with Alstom supplying the rolling stock and associated systems.
The trains are designed and manufactured at Alstom’s rolling stock facility in Savli, Gujarat. The three-car trainsets can accommodate 144 seated and 981 standing passengers, with dedicated areas for passengers with reduced mobility.
Operating at speeds of up to 80km/h, the trains incorporate energy-efficient traction systems with regenerative braking. Ambient and smart lighting systems are also designed to reduce energy consumption while supporting passenger comfort.
Alstom has delivered 23 of the 25 trainsets required for the current Indore operation, while 10 Alstom-equipped trainsets are operating on the Yellow Line.
“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.”
CBTC supports future metro operations
A key element of the project is Alstom’s Urbalis Forward CBTC signalling system. The technology is intended to support higher-frequency services, improve operational efficiency and help manage passenger demand as the network develops.
The system provides train control capabilities designed to support safe and fluid metro operations while reducing waiting times. Alstom says Urbalis Forward is installed on 190 metro lines across 32 countries.
The Indore trains also feature a Train Control and Management System integrated with an automatic track inspection system. This supports data transmission and operational monitoring, while onboard security measures include continuous CCTV surveillance, unattended object identification and empty train detection.
Direct communication channels between the train operator and control centre are also incorporated into the system.
Made-in-India production and maintenance
The project is aligned with the Indian Government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, with Alstom stating that its solutions for Indore are developed, manufactured and delivered domestically.
The company says its Indian operations include six industrial sites and five major engineering centres, supporting both domestic and international projects while strengthening its local supply chain.
Alstom will provide long-term maintenance through its FlexCare Perform solutions, drawing on its wider experience maintaining more than 36,000 vehicles globally.
The combination of locally manufactured trains, CBTC signalling and long-term maintenance is intended to support reliable operations as Indore’s metro network develops.
For passengers, the expansion provides additional metro capacity while introducing modern rolling stock with improved accessibility, energy efficiency and onboard monitoring. For the operator, the integrated approach provides infrastructure and support designed to maintain stable operations over the life of the contract.
No comments yet