Bhubaneswar metro rail project to be completed by 2027

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar metro rail project is likely to be operational by December 2027 as Odisha government has taken necessary steps to complete the work as per schedule. The ambitious project aims to resolve persistent traffic congestion in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

The project is set to transform urban transport in the State capital, tackling traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity in key areas. On completion of works, the metro trains will run on tracks 13 metres above the ground level. The height of the railway tracks will be higher in areas like Rajmahal, Jayadev Vihar and Baranga, according to sources.

Passengers will be able to get metro trains in the city every ten minutes. Arrangements are being made to purchase 13 metro trains with three coaches each in the first phase.

Work is going on in full swing for the ambitious project and soil testing for the purpose is currently being conducted. Soil samples are being collected below 50-60 metres from different places to be sent to laboratories in Delhi and Cuttack for testing. The soil testing will be completed in two months.

After the soil testing, foundation designing will start. This apart, casting yard work is also inprogress at Ghatikia for the metro rail project. Casting instruments for the project will be made from here. Similarly, project maintenance depot work is also going on at Ratagada near Trisulia.

At the same time, road expansion work from Sishu Bhawan Square to Raghunathpur in Bhubaneswar is underway for the convenience of the commuters and the work will be completed within two months.

It may be noted that the Odisha government had roped in DMRC for the metro project, which seeks to connect Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar to Trisulia in Cuttack in the first phase. Taken up at an investment of Rs 6,255 crore, the project is expected to be completed in the next four years.

The DMRC received approval for its Detailed Project Report (DPR) from the state government on October 7, 2023, while the foundation stone for metro rail was laid by the then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on January 1.

In the first phase, the project is proposed to cover 26 km with 20 stations including BPIA, Capital Hospital, Sishu Bhawan, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Ram Mandir, Vani Vihar, Acharya Vihar, Jaydev Vihar, Xavier square, Rail Sadan, District Centre, Damana Square, Patia Square, KIIT Square, Nandan Vihar, Raghunathpur, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Phulapokhari and Trisulia Square.