Bhubaneswar: A day after BJD MP Sasmit Patra raised his concerns over proposed Bhubaneswar Metro Project in Rajya Sabha, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Wednesday informed that a technical committee has been formed to rework the route and modalities after a feasibility study.
Speaking to the media, Mahapatra stated that the project will be taken up with support from the Centre, which has been informed about its plans to conduct ground surveys at various sites. “The committee will compile a comprehensive feasibility report, including route suggestions and cost-sharing options. Once the report is submitted, the financial obligations of the Union and state governments will be determined. The Chief Minister will then engage in further talks with the Centre regarding the project’s execution,” the Minister said.
The feasibility study will determine how viable the project is in terms of cost, passenger load, and technical sustainability. “The previous government had neither informed nor consulted the Centre on the project. The identified route was also not suitable as even a minor soil testing on the stretch had led to massive traffic chaos. A fresh proposal will be drawn and sent to the central government for approval. It will be implemented with technical and financial assistance from the Centre,” he added.
Mahaptra had earlier said that the new technical committee will have members from the department as well as metro rail experts.
Centre Confirms Odisha Is Reassessing Plan
On Tuesday, Patra posed four questions to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The BJD MP asked whether the Centre was aware of reports that the proposed Bhubaneswar Metro project had either been cancelled or indefinitely postponed. He also sought details regarding the original feasibility findings and projected ridership estimates and whether those were reassessed recently. He also questioned whether any correspondence or proposal from the state government of Odisha is pending with the central Government regarding funding or revision of the project scope.
Sasmita also sought answers for non-clearance or shelving of the metro rail plan for Bhubaneswar, despite it being one of the fastest-growing Tier-2 cities with rising urban congestion.
In his reply, Union Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said: Metro rail projects are cost intensive. Hence these projects are planned in accordance with the provision of The Metro Policy 2017 for ensuring its long term viability and sustainability. The Government of Odisha had earlier gone ahead with Bhubaneswar metro rail project without informing and seeking financial support of Government of India. Government of Odisha has now informed that they are reassessing & restructuring the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project Phase-I under overall perspective of Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) to ensure its long-term viability, sustainability and urban mobility needs.”
According to the original feasibility findings as detailed in the DPR, the projected daily ridership for the years 2028, 2031, 2041, 2051 and 2054 is 67,367, 72,214, 98,835, 1,42,740 and 1,60,564 respectively, he said.
On delays or shelving of the project, the Union Minister said that “does not arise” as the matter is under reassessment by the state government itself.
Speaking to IANS, BJD MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra said, “Government is a very stable platform. Once a party comes to power, it is not supposed to change all the programmes and plans implemented by the previous government. So, all sanctioned projects should have continued. But unfortunately this government hasn’t taken up this pr-poor project. I hope the people of Puri, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar will raise their voice against it and the metro project will soon see the light of the day.”
