Not elevated, Bhubaneswar to get underground metro rail as Odisha govt changes plan

In a significant development concerning the much-anticipated metro rail project in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha Government has clarified that the capital city will not witness an elevated metro rail system. Instead, the administration is currently working on a plan to introduce an underground metro rail network, informed Works Department Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Sunday.

Speaking to the media, the Minister emphasized that the elevated metro concept has been ruled out for Bhubaneswar due to various logistical and urban planning concerns. 

“The city’s landscape and traffic density do not favour an elevated structure. We are now moving ahead with an underground metro rail system,” the Minister informed.

According to Harichandan, for the proposed underground metro rail project, a new alignment has not been made. The Urban Development Department has been asked for it and it will take some time for the survey. 

“Elevated metro corridor will hamper the beauty of Bhubaneswar and its periphery. Hence, it has been decided to go for an underground metro rail project. How it can be executed and what survey will be undertaken by the Urban Development will be discussed. 

Subsequently, the Odisha government will decide on in-principle approval, ”the Minister said.

The Housing and Urban Development Department has already begun the groundwork for preparing a plan for the project. Feasibility studies and consultations with technical experts and stakeholders are underway to assess the most suitable routes and infrastructural needs for the proposed underground system.

The revised strategy reflects the Odisha government’s commitment to developing sustainable and future-ready public transport infrastructure while minimizing disruptions to the city’s existing landscape and road networks.

Further details about project timelines, funding models, and implementation phases are expected to be announced after the completion of the planning process.