Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government targets to complete Phase I of Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project in four years. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will lay the foundation stone for the ambitious project on January 1, 2024.
This was revealed during review of the status of the proposed project on Sunday. The Detailed Project Report for the metro rail in the capital city has been approved at a total cost of Rs 5929 crore, which will be fully borne by the state government.
The government has already made a provision of Rs 210 crore in the Supplementary Budget for the current year for the project which will be taken up under the 5T initiative.
As directed by the Chief Minister, Chairman 5T & Nabina Odisha V K Pandian along with senior officials reviewed the work of the proposed project which will connect the twin city of Bhubaneswar & Cuttack. The Phase-I of the Metro Rail project will connect Bhubaneswar Airport with Trisulia Square, via Chandrasekharpur. Jaydev Vihar, Vani Vihar, Master Canteen and Rajmahal Square. Pandian discussed and facilitated decisions for timely commencement of the construction of Metro Rail project, a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.
The Chief Minister had announced the project on Odisha Dibas on April 1, 2023. A Master Plan for extending the Metro Rail service to other areas of Bhubaneswar and to Khurda, Puri and Cuttack towns is being developed through Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
Trisulia is going to emerge as a major traffic hub to serve Bhubaneswar and Cuttack cities as well as emerge as gateway to the Twin city from Banki and Athagarh side. The Central Depot of the Metro Rail project will be located near Trisulia Square where the Command & Control Centre as well as the maintenance and stabling facilities for the Metro trains will be constructed. A New Bus Stand is being constructed at Trisulia Square, which will be further expanded and integrated with Merto station.
Pandian expressed satisfaction on the progress made by various departments and agencies and directed officials to complete the preparatory work in time ahead of the foundation stone for the project to be laid by the CM On January 1
Pandian instructed that the works must be monitored very closely, observing principles of 5T to ensure timely completion of the project within four years schedule. He also asked officials to ensure that the project realises the vision of the Chief Minister of a world class urban transport system for the aspirational Odisha.
He advised that the metro system should leverage the latest technologies and most advanced equipment to provide efficient mobility solution to passengers. He asked officials to ensure that other modes of transport are aligned with metro rail stoppages for the seamless movement of passengers. He also advised officials to ensure that the project planning should be done in such a way so that it has enough room for long term future expansions.
Pandian also made a surprise visit to the newly constructed Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal (CNBT) to get feedback of people and see the cleanliness at the state-of-the-art terminal. He interacted with passengers, vendors, service providers, bus operators and other staff members. He asked officials to further strengthen integrated information management system which will enhance the passenger experience and hassle-free movement of passengers.
The officials also visited the transformed Taldanda Canal. He advised that the visual aesthetics along the canal should be maintained so it continues to be recreational hub for the people of the Cuttack city.
Pandian was accompanied by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Pincipal Secretary, E&IT Department Manoj Kumar Mishra, senior officials of Cuttack District administration, Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation and Works department.