Bhubaneswar Metro rail: 10 key points to know about the Rs 6255 crore project

Taken on with ambition, Odisha’s state capital of Bhubaneswar awaits a massive urban transformation with the launch of the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project, the state’s first mass rapid transit system.

With an initial sanctioned cost of Rs 6,255 crore for Phase I alone, the metro is envisioned to significantly reduce congestion, offer clean mobility, and reshape the urban fabric of Bhubaneswar and nearby areas. Here’s everything you need to know about the project, its progress, and what’s next.

1. Project Scope and Route

As per the original plans, Phase I of the Bhubaneswar Metro was to span 26 kilometres, running entirely on an elevated track. Initially conceived to end at Trisulia, the metro line is now being extended to include major destinations in Cuttack, including the Netaji Bus Terminal and SCB Medical College and Hospital.

2. Modern Metro Tech

The metro will use a 750V DC third rail power system and Continuous Automatic Train Control (CATC) for signalling. Each 3-coach train will carry up to 764 passengers.

3. Full State Funding for Phase I, Central Support Expected Ahead

The original Rs 6,255 crore budget for Phase I is being borne entirely by the Odisha government. However, with the expanded route and revised plans, the Centre is expected to co-fund future phases.

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4. Timeline: 2023 to 2027, Subject to Revisions

Construction officially began on November 20, 2023, and the targeted completion date is set for late 2027. But with the extended corridor to Cuttack and updates to infrastructure plans, a revised schedule may be announced soon.

5. Who’s Behind It: BMRCL and DMRC

The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), a state-owned company, is executing the project with technical guidance from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which is also serving as the turnkey consultant. DMRC prepared the original DPR in a record four months.

6. Multimodal Integration is a Key Focus

The metro is designed to seamlessly integrate with Ama Bus services, e-rickshaws, and other public transport options. The terminal hub at Trisulia will serve as a major multi-modal transport point, linking Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

7. Features: Modern, Efficient, and Fully Elevated

All 20 stations in Phase I will be elevated, approximately 13 meters above ground. However, plans may shift to underground tracks to accommodate other projects such as the planned Jayadev Vihar-Nandkanan elevated corridor.

8. Depot and Command Center Near Trisulia

The metro’s maintenance depot and command-and-control centre will be established at Ratagada Lenkasahi, near Trisulia, on over 40 acres of land. This facility will be the operational heart of the system, managing real-time movement, maintenance, and safety.

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9. Job Creation and Economic Boost Expected

Beyond improved mobility, the Bhubaneswar Metro is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs during its construction and operational phases. From civil engineers and metro operators to local vendors and service providers, the metro project is likely to stimulate economic activity across sectors. 

10. Underground Expansion in the Pipeline

A proposed corridor from Patia to CRP Square is already in the early stages of planning. This is part of a broader vision to declutter surface traffic and keep the cityscape intact.

Looking Ahead: A Vision Beyond Metro

The metro project is part of a larger plan to modernise Bhubaneswar’s infrastructure. An outer ring road encompassing Khordha, Jatni, and Trisulia is also under development. Additional projects, such as flyovers, road-over-bridges, and widened highways, are intended to complement the metro’s rollout and boost overall connectivity.