Bhubaneswar: Six days after the Odisha Cabinet gave the green signal to phase-I of metro rail project, Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation on Monday signed a contract with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for construction of metro rail from Biju Patnaik International Airport here to Trishulia in Cuttack.
The DMRC will execute the 6,255 crore project as a turn-key consultant and charge a fee of Rs 326.56 crore.
According to an official release, the MoU was signed in presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on virtual platform. The project is targeted to be completed in four years. “This pact signals emergence of a new epoch in the transportation history of Odisha. We are now poised to transform the transportation landscape in the capital region. This is a flagship programme under the 5T Initiative of my government that will also symbolise the emergence of a new Odisha,” the CM said.
He further said that this is the single largest investment made in any infrastructure project in the history of Odisha. “The entire cost of the project will be borne by the state government,” he added.
Appreciating the expertise of DMRC, Naveen said that it is a pioneer in the field of construction and operation of metro rail in the country. He expressed confidence that the construction of the metro rail will be of World Class standard and will be completed in time.
Chief Secretary P K Jena said that the project will not only ease out traffic in both the cities but will also spruce up the economy.
While Housing & Urban Development Minister Usha Devi said that it’s a historic moment that will transform the transport sector, Science & Technology Minister Ashok Panda added that this project will make Cuttack & Bhubaneswar truly a twin city.
DMRC MD Vikas Kumar said that this an apt time to start transit oriented development in Odisha. “It will spruce up economy, and push growth and development in the region,” he said.
The programme was moderated by 5T Chairman VK Pandian.
The project was announced by the Chief Minister on April 1 this year. Pandian on October 29 visited Trishulia to take stock of the progress in project before the foundation.
MAIN FEATURES
• Length of the project from Bhubaneswar Airport to Trisulia square is 26 km.
• There will be 20 metro stations including at Capital Hospital, Rajmahal Square, Jayadev Vihar Square and Patia Square.
• The metro rail tracks and stations will be on elevated viaducts.
• Ultra-modern coaches and signalling system will be adopted.
• Advanced Ticketing System.
