Bhubaneswar: The much-anticipated Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project has hit a significant roadblock, with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officially terminating contracts with Ceigall India Limited and Ranjit Buildcon due to protracted delays. This move, announced yesterday, throws the project’s immediate future into uncertainty, even as the Odisha government asserts its commitment to revive the ambitious urban transport initiative with a revised blueprint.
The Bhubaneswar Metro project was initially conceived as a rapid transit system to connect the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, with a proposed extension to Khordha and Puri in later phases. The first phase envisioned a 26 km elevated corridor from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to Trisulia Square, near Cuttack, with 20 stations.
Key Milestones and Developments:
- 2010: DMRC conducted a feasibility study, though in 2013, it deemed a metro unsuitable for the cities due to a perceived low population.
- January 2018: The then Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, reiterated the demand for a metro link between Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khordha, and Puri, directing the Housing and Urban Development Department to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) funded by the state.
- April 2023: The metro project was officially announced, with the first trunk route from Trisulia to Biju Patnaik Airport.
- August 2023: DMRC was tasked with preparing the DPR, which was submitted to the government in record time.
- October 2023: The Odisha Chief Minister approved the DPR.
- January 1, 2024: The foundation stone for the project was laid at Ratagada near Trisulia. The project was entirely state-funded for Phase 1, with an estimated cost of Rs 6,255.94 crore and a targeted completion of 48 months.
- March 2024: DMRC floated tenders for all 19 elevated metro stations.
- August 2024: Ceigall India Limited and Ranjit Buildcon were awarded contracts for the design and construction of elevated viaducts and stations. Ceigall India was responsible for the section from Nandan Vihar to Trisulia Square, while Ranjit Buildcon secured the package from Capital Hospital to Acharya Vihar Square.
Sources indicate that construction work on the project has been suspended for nearly eight months, attributed to a combination of logistical, financial, and coordination challenges between the contractors and DMRC. The termination of contracts with Ceigall India and Ranjit Buildcon on July 25 is a direct consequence of these significant delays. Ceigall India has indicated plans to pursue compensation for the contract termination.
Adding to the uncertainty, yesterday, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, stated in the Lok Sabha that the Central Government has not received any formal proposal for a Metro Rail in Bhubaneswar from the Odisha government. This contradicts earlier state government statements and raises questions about the project’s progress.
However, the current BJP-led Odisha government is resolute in its intent to proceed with the metro. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan confirmed that a dedicated inter-ministerial task force, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, is actively working on a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR). The new government has questioned the viability of the previous government’s fully state-funded plan and its proposed route, particularly the airport to Trisulia connection, and aims to execute the project as a joint venture with Central assistance.
Housing & Urban Development Minister, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, clarified today that while the project is in the planning stages, no official proposal has been sent to the Centre yet. He emphasized that the project’s success is contingent on Central support and a new plan will be finalized shortly to ensure it meets modern standards and timelines. There are also indications that the revised blueprint might explore an underground metro system to preserve the city’s aesthetics.
The termination of contracts marks a critical juncture for the Bhubaneswar Metro. While the Odisha government is committed to a revised plan and seeking central assistance, the lack of a formal proposal to the Centre suggests that the path forward for this crucial infrastructure project may still face considerable challenges and further delays.