Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project puts brakes on elevated road corridor plans

The Elevated Road Corridor project in Bhubaneswar has encountered delays, and structural changes are very likely to be incorporated in it due to the metro rail project in the Capital City, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed on Monday.

Also Read: Big plan for Bhubaneswar decongestion: Massive investment for subway, flyovers, ring roads

Initially scheduled to start in May, the project aims connect Jayadev Vihar to Nandankanan. Although the tendering process was completed, the need for structural modifications to accommodate a future metro train line has necessitated a redesign.

What necessitated structural modifications?

Except for redesigning the elevated road corridor project, the basic concept remains untouched. Consequently, the prior tender has been cancelled, and a new tender will be floated shortly. Discussions at a high level are ongoing to address this issue.

“If we proceed with the old structure, the projected cost would be approximately Rs 1,800 crore. However, adopting a new structure might inflate the expenses to around Rs 2,700 crore,” the Works Minister stated while speaking to OTV.

“Tender for the elevated road corridor project was already floated. Structural design issues have emerged in the meantime to accommodate the Metro Rail Project. Hence, the tender was cancelled and a fresh tender will be floated soon,” Minister Harichandan said.

“It is yet to be finalised whether there will be separate corridors for both the projects or there will be an integrated corridor instead. A decision is anticipated soon, and the new tendering process will be expedited,” the Works Minister added.

Worth mentioning, Odisha government had previously unveiled a robust infrastructure plan valued at approximately Rs 7,000 Crore to address traffic congestion in Bhubaneswar. This was expressed on January 31 by the Works Minister amid growing concerns over traffic management in the Capital City.

Must Read: Greater Ring Road to strengthen connectivity in Odisha

The ambitious elevated corridor will connect Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan, with flyovers at Kalpana Square and Museum Square. A new road over-bridge (ROB) on Museum Road, an underground road (subway) at AG Square, and development of inner and outer ring roads are parts of the proposed development works.