Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today reviewed the status of Phase I of Bhubaneswar Metro project and approved the Detailed Project Report at a total cost of Rs 5929 crore, which will be fully borne by the State Government.
It will be taken up as a 5T initiative of the State Government. For the current financial year, Rs. 210 crore has been provided in the Supplementary Budget. The Chief Minister will lay the foundation for the project on January 1, 2024.
Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC)- a fully owned company of Government of Odisha has been newly incorporated under the Companies Act and the Company has started functioning.
A High-Level Committee under the chairmanship of Development Commissioner has been constituted for overseeing the expeditious engagement of an executing agency for the project.
The entire alignment of the Metro project from Trisulia Square to Bhubaneswar airport will be on an elevated structure and will run on the median/side of the existing roads, with 20 stations.
The stations will cover important places like Nandankanan, KIIT Square, Damana Square, Jaydev Vihar, Vani Vihar. Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Bapuji Nagar, Sishu Bhawan and Capital Hospital.
The project work will be started soon and is targeted for completion within 48 months. The Chief Minister directed all the agencies to work in close coordination and ensure timely completion of the project.
“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,” Shri Patnaik said,
“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,” he said.
Secretary to CM V K Pandian apprised the Chief Minister regarding the choice of the alignment which was finalised after extensive field visits. The route has been selected to decongest the main roads and benefit the maximum number of daily commuters. He further added that the subsequent phases of the Metro project will connect other growth centers in and around Bhubaneswar.
Development Commissioner Anu Garg, H&UD Principal Secretary Mathivathanan, Senior officials were present during the meeting.
