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The Union government is examining the introduction of a Namo Bharat rapid rail service between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to strengthen regional connectivity in Odisha. Announced in the past week by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the proposal involves operating high-frequency trains on a new railway line currently under consideration. The service is expected to run at intervals of around 30 minutes, offering a cost-effective alternative to the previously proposed metro project, which had an estimated cost of INR 6,255 crore. The plan is aimed at improving commuter mobility between the twin cities, which function as a single urban cluster with high daily traffic movement. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to expand semi-high-speed rail-based urban transit systems across emerging metropolitan regions.
The Union government is exploring the introduction of a Namo Bharat rapid rail service between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informing Parliament in the past week that a new railway line is being considered to support high-frequency operations between the two cities. Advertisement
The proposed corridor is intended to provide a dedicated commuter rail system linking Bhubaneswar, the state capital, with Cuttack, a major administrative and commercial centre located nearby. The two cities function as a contiguous urban region with significant daily passenger movement, leading to persistent congestion on existing road and rail infrastructure. The planned Namo Bharat service is expected to operate at intervals of approximately 30 minutes, offering a high-frequency transit option for commuters.
According to the minister, the government is examining the feasibility of running the service on a newly sanctioned railway line, rather than relying on existing tracks. This approach is aimed at ensuring operational efficiency and enabling faster travel between the two cities. The proposal reflects a shift towards adopting regional rapid transit systems in urban clusters where conventional metro projects may face cost or feasibility constraints.
The Namo Bharat system is being positioned as a cost-effective alternative to the metro rail project that had earlier been proposed for the Bhubaneswar Cuttack corridor. The metro plan, which envisaged multiple stations and extensive infrastructure, was estimated to cost around INR 6,255 crore. In comparison, the rapid rail model is expected to require lower capital investment while still delivering high-capacity and frequent services.
The proposed trains would include standard and premium seating configurations, along with designated spaces for women, aligning with the features of existing Namo Bharat services deployed in other regions. The system is designed to cater to short-distance, high-density commuter traffic, with an emphasis on reliability and frequency rather than long-haul travel.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand modern rail-based transit solutions across urban regions beyond major metropolitan cities. The Bhubaneswar Cuttack corridor has been identified as a suitable candidate due to its compact geography, strong economic linkages, and growing population. Improved rail connectivity is expected to support urban integration, reduce travel time, and ease pressure on road networks.
The proposal is currently at an exploratory stage, with feasibility assessments and planning processes underway. Further details regarding alignment, investment structure, and implementation timelines are expected to emerge once technical evaluations are completed and approvals are secured.
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