In a bold and visionary move, Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, has given the green light to the detailed project report for the Bhubaneswar Metro project. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in Odisha, is set to transform the city and enhance the state’s public transportation infrastructure. The entire project, estimated at ₹5,929 crore, will be funded by the Odisha government, reflecting the Chief Minister’s commitment to the progress of his state.
“The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project is a major landmark project for Odisha. Bhubaneswar will join the select group of top cities in the country with a metro rail system. This project will further strengthen the public transport in the city and enable the economic growth of the city. The city has been recognized for various urban projects and is emerging as a city with an enhanced quality of life. I am sure this mega project will make Bhubaneswar as a top liveable city in the country,” stated Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, emphasizing the project’s significance.
For the current year, ₹210 crore has been allocated in the supplementary budget, and on January 1, 2024, Chief Minister Patnaik is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for this ambitious project. The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation, a fully government-owned entity established under the Companies Act, is already operational, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progression. A high-level committee, chaired by the Development Commissioner, has been formed to expedite the selection of an executing agency for the project.
The Bhubaneswar Metro project is poised to elevate the city’s transportation network. It is designed to run on an elevated structure, extending from Trisulia Square to Bhubaneswar Airport. The metro system will traverse the median or side of existing roads, boasting 20 strategically placed stations, including key locations such as Nandankanan, KIIT Square, Damana Square, Jaydev Vihar, Vani Vihar, Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Bapuji Nagar, Sishu Bhawan, and Capital Hospital.
This endeavor aligns with the state’s 5T Initiative and will commence soon, with a four-year timeline set for its completion. V. K. Pandian, Secretary to the 5T Initiative, played an instrumental role in finalizing the project’s alignment, which was informed by extensive field assessments.
Notably, the selected route aims to alleviate traffic congestion on main roads and, in doing so, provide maximum benefit to daily commuters. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s decision to finance this transformative project underscores his commitment to the betterment of Odisha’s infrastructure and the quality of life for its residents. In this landmark decision, he has once again demonstrated his visionary leadership and dedication to the state’s progress.
Prasanta Patnaik 
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