Bhubaneswar Metro: Extension to Cuttack, construction status, 2027 deadline; key updates so far

The Odisha government recently confirmed that the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project will not be scrapped, rather, it will be extended to enhance coverage and utility.

Earlier plans had meant that Phase I of the metro will end at Trisulia. However, Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra stated it lacked practicality for commuters. He announced the extension of the route to Cuttack, ensuring the metro serves both key cities effectively and addresses daily traffic congestion.

Construction Begins: Key Facilities Operational

As of April 2025, construction has formally begun, with the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) launching a precasting unit and coach maintenance depot.

The precasting facility is pivotal in manufacturing structural components like pillars off-site, which improves efficiency and ensures better quality control. Further, an elevated track construction is scheduled to begin this year after successful soil testing is completed across several proposed sites.

Project Scale and Timeline

The first phase of the metro was initially supposed to span 26 kilometres and include 20 stations. It was proposed to connect Biju Patnaik International Airport to various nodes in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. However, current plans for extension to the interior parts of Cuttack City will mean added length and cost.

Initially, the project was estimated to cost Rs 6,256 crore. Notably, it is being fully financed by the Odisha government.

Meanwhile, completion for Phase I has been targeted for December 2027. Initially, 13 trains with three coaches each will operate daily, with an estimated passenger load of 95,000. Additionally, metro stations and coaches will also reflect the cultural essence of Odisha in their design.

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Strategic Planning and Oversight

In March, the state government formed a high-level committee to oversee all aspects of planning and execution. The team is tasked with evaluating financial viability, route efficiency, and adopting operational best practices by visiting metro systems in other Indian cities.

The focus is on ensuring that the network is optimally designed to address current and future commuter needs.

Multi-Level Infrastructure Vision

As part of a broader infrastructure upgrade, a Nagpur-style elevated corridor is also being planned. This two-level infrastructure will cater separately to vehicles and metro services along the Jayadev Vihar to Nandankanan corridor, one of Bhubaneswar's busiest routes.

According to Public Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, cabinet approval is expected soon, with groundwork likely to begin thereafter.

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Improved Connectivity and Urban Benefits

The metro project is expected to reshape urban mobility in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The travel time from Trisulia to the airport is projected to reduce to just 45 minutes, while intercity commutes will take only 30 minutes.

With improved efficiency, reduced congestion, and eco-friendly transit solutions, the Bhubaneswar Metro aligns with the state’s vision for sustainable urban growth.