Bhubaneswar metro rail cannot run on metaverse, it needs funds: Union Min Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan once again targeted the Odisha government over its ambitious metro rail project. Pradhan took a jibe at the Odisha government by stating that the metro rail cannot run on virtual reality or metaverse. For the metro rail project, one needs to spend funds and get the detailed project report (DPR) done, he said.

By citing the example of Congress, Pradhan took a dig at the Odisha government by saying that, “Congress earlier announced to come up with post offices after winning first election and postcard and letter boxes in second and subsequent elections. Like this way the metro rail project is going on,” said Pradhan.

It is not the first time that the Union Minister has criticised the Odisha government on the metro rail project. He had earlier said that the metro rail project needs to be implemented through proper collaboration between the state and the Centre.

On August 16, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) after conducting a traffic survey, geotechnical investigation, topographic survey, and environmental and social impact assessments, completed the DPR and submitted it to the Chief Secretary of Odisha.

The first phase of the much-awaited Bhubaneswar metro rail will cover a distance of around 26 kilometers.

As per the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the metro rail project will have 20 stations in the 26-kilometre stretch. The areas to be covered include Biju Patnaik airport, Capital Hospital, Sishu Bhawan, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Ram Mandir Square, Vani Vihar, Acharya Vihar, Jaydev Vihar, Xavier Square, Rail Sadan, Damana Square, Patia Square, KIIT Square, Nandan Vihar, Raghunathpur, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Phulapokhari and Trishulia Square (Cuttack).