The Odisha cabinet, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has given the green light to the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project (BMRC) Phase I. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will spearhead the Rs 5,929.38 crore turn-key project, spanning 26 km with 20 stations from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Trisulia Square near Cuttack. The infrastructure, part of the Greater Capital Region metropolitan city plan, aims to serve around 50 lakh people. The first phase, focusing on Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Cuttack, and Puri regions, is slated for completion in four years, featuring elevated viaducts, modern coaches, and advanced systems.
The Odisha state cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has granted approval for the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project (BMRC) Phase I, a significant initiative with an estimated cost of Rs 5,929.38 crore. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will serve as the turn-key consultant for the project, charging a fee of Rs 326.56 crore. The project is designed to include ultra-modern coaches, an advanced ticketing system, and a state-of-the-art signalling system, emphasizing contemporary features and technology. Phase 1 of the Bhubaneswar Metro spans 26 km, featuring 20 stations from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Trisulia Square near Cuttack. Key stations include Capital Hospital, Rajmahal Square, Vani Vihar Square, Jaydev Vihar, and Patia, among others. Phase 1 will incorporate elevated viaducts for metro rail tracks and stations. The aim is to provide comfortable, safe, and convenient transportation for the public in the Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Cuttack, and Puri regions, addressing the growing need for a metro rail system. The broader vision includes developing the Cuttack-Puri-Bhubaneswar triangle into a Greater Capital Region metropolitan city, catering to a population of approximately 50 lakh people. This transformative infrastructure aligns with the government's 5T initiative. Future phases of the metro project will extend to cover additional areas of Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Cuttack, and Puri. The government's ambitious target is to complete the first phase of the Bhubaneswar Metro in four years. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is expected to lay the foundation stone for the project on January 1, marking a significant milestone in the development of urban transportation infrastructure in Odisha. According to government sources, the project's tracks will be situated above the median or on the side of existing roads, minimizing the need for additional land acquisition. The Trisulia location is earmarked for the metro train depot, strategically positioned for operational efficiency and convenience. The Bhubaneswar Metro Project is poised to enhance connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and contribute to the overall development of the region. As one of the flagship projects, it symbolizes the state's commitment to modernizing urban infrastructure and promoting sustainable, efficient public transportation. The comprehensive planning and execution reflect the state's proactive approach to address the evolving transportation needs of its citizens. The subsequent phases of the project will be revealed with time, ushering in a new era of metro connectivity for residents across the identified regions in Odisha.