Odisha approves Metro train project between Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri

In a major development, Odisha government is contemplating to start the much-awaited metro train service between the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to resolve traffic-related issues. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved the proposal for the metro train service on the occasion of Utkal Dibasa.

Odisha Chief Secretary along with development commissioner, 5T, transport and IT secretaries on Saturday conducted a high-level review to check the feasibility of metro train services on different routes.

As per official sources, the Odisha government has approved the metro train service from Bhubaneswar airport to Trishulia in the first phase. It will cover areas of airport, railway station, Vani Vihar, Jaydev Vihar, Patia, Nandankanan and Trishulia.

As per reports, the proposed metro train service will be extended to Puri and it will connect Cuttack and Bhubaneswar with the pilgrim town.

“I am pleased to announce the metro train project connecting Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Khurda. The project has been studied by various stake holders and feasibility reports prepared . In the first phase we will create the metro trunk route from Trisulia near Cuttack to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. The route will tentatively touch major landmarks such as Nandankanan, Patia, Vani Vihar, Railway Station and so on . As the project is starting from near Subash Bose Setu, it will enable  the commuters from Cuttack to access important locations in Bhubaneswar. In later phases the metro will expand to Khordha and Puri,” said CM Naveen Patnaik.

“I have asked Housing and Urban Development Department to complete the DPR on a war footing. The project will be predominantly based on elevated corridors  and will be entirely funded by the state government,” he added.

Meanwhile, BJP MP from Bhubaneswar, Aprajita Sarangi congratulated the residents of the Capital city after the approval of the Metro rail project. 

Taking to Twitter, Sarangi wrote, “Had written a letter to the State Govt, Odisha, on 26-9-2022, for taking steps for starting Metro Rail Project in Bhubaneswar. Had also written to  the Minister, GoI, @HardeepSPuri. Was closely following it up. Approved now. Congratulations to the people of Bhubaneswar. Grateful.”

On the other hand, Leader of Opposition Jayanarayant Mishra said CM Naveen’s sudden announcement is doubtful. 

“There is no clarity on DPR, final estimate and funding source for the metro rail project. Besides in 2021, minister Pratap Jena had said in Assembly that metro not feasible in the twin cities till 2041. But the CM's sudden announcement today has raised doubts” Mishra said.