Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, marked a significant milestone on Monday by laying the foundation stone for the ambitious Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project, a colossal venture valued at Rs 6,225 crore. The ceremonious event, held at Ratagada Lenka Sahi near Trisulia, was preceded by an elaborate roadshow along the proposed 26 km route of the metro project.
Amidst the roadshow, vibrant cultural performances, including traditional folk dances and music, enthralled the crowd on both sides of the route as a warm welcome to the Chief Minister.
Addressing the enthusiastic assembly, Patnaik engaged with the people, asking, “Apan Mane Khusi Ta (Are you happy)?”
Describing the day as a pivotal moment in Odisha’s developmental journey, Patnaik affirmed, “Today (Jan 1, 2024) will remain in the history of Odisha’s development. As promised, we are laying the foundation stone of the metro rail project.”
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Highlighting the project’s magnitude, Patnaik emphasized that this stands as the state government’s most substantial investment in any infrastructure endeavour in Odisha’s history. He underscored its significance as the flagship project under Odisha’s 5T (transformational) initiative.
The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project is slated to encompass 20 stations, covering a span of 26 km, linking Bhubaneswar airport to Trishulia. Additionally, Patnaik revealed plans for a master plan to extend the metro rail network to Khurda, Puri, and Cuttack.
Scheduled for completion within four years, the project aims to streamline transportation, offering convenient connectivity from Bhubaneswar airport to Cuttack via Trishulia, fortifying urban mobility within the state.
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The Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlines the initial phase’s route, connecting Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) to Trisulia Square. The state government has allocated Rs 6,255 crore for this extensive initiative.
Envisaged stations along the route include significant landmarks such as Biju Patnaik International Airport, Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, and various other key locations, all interconnected via the metro rail network.
The project’s execution will be overseen by the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation, in collaboration with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), who will act as the turn-key consultant for the project at a consultancy fee of Rs 326.56 crore.
Notably, the announcement of the Metro rail project was made by Patnaik on Utkal Divas, on April 1, 2023. The State Cabinet’s approval for Phase I of the project in November 2023 paved the way for this groundbreaking initiative, poised to revolutionise Odisha’s transportation landscape.
