TV
A political controversy has emerged in Odisha over the cancellation of the Bhubaneswar Metro project contract, with senior BJD leader and legislator Pratap Deb launching a scathing attack on the state government.
Deb stated that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had envisioned the metro system to modernize Bhubaneswar, and had initiated the project using the state’s own budget. Over the span of two and a half years, Detailed Project Report (DPR) and other groundwork had been completed, he claimed.
Deb criticized the current BJP government, alleging that the contract was cancelled simply because it was initiated by the previous administration.
"Now, you will prepare another DPR and issue another tender. Already one year has passed and in the process five years will be passed. The residents of Bhubaneswar and Odisha will only suffer because of it. If you can't complete a project within your tenure and cancel a project then what kind of message are you giving?" asked Deb.
Responding to the BJD’s allegations, Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra refuted the allegation. He stated that the way the project was being implemented earlier would not have succeeded. He further said that the current Mohan Majhi government is restructuring the plan to make it more people-centric and efficient.
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The Minister also said that the contract was cancelled due to project delays. The revised plan will be carried out with support from the central government and will incorporate advanced central technology. As part of the initial phase, an over bridge will be constructed from Kalpana to Nandankanan.
"The Opposition is only opposing for the sake of opposing and it will bear no result. Whoever is doing good work should also be praised. Metro project has not been cancelled. An inter-ministerial committee has been formed to review the project. After observing metro projects at various places, the committee will submit a report and subsequently the Chief Minister will take necessary steps in this regard," said Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra.
