Introduction
The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project, initiated under the guidance of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, marks a significant milestone in enhancing urban connectivity within Odisha. This ambitious venture, developed in partnership with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, seeks to establish a 26-km elevated metro line connecting Biju Patnaik Airport to Trisulia Square in Cuttack. Reflecting Odisha’s commitment to the 5T strategy, the project stands as a beacon of sustainable development, aiming to revolutionise the capital region’s transit landscape by 2024.
Detailed Overview of the Bhubaneswar Metro Project
Project Execution:
The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project, spearheaded by the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation, is set to feature a 26-kilometre elevated line, enhancing connectivity between Biju Patnaik Airport and Trisulia Square in Cuttack. With 20 stations planned along this route, the groundwork is scheduled to begin in January 2024, targeting a four-year completion timeline. A dedicated train repair depot is also proposed near Phulapokhari station, indicating comprehensive infrastructure planning.
Project Assurance:
DMRC’s involvement assures adherence to top-notch standards and timely completion. Mr. Patnaik from DMRC emphasised the commitment to executing the project efficiently, leveraging their expertise in metro system development and management.
Planning and Financials:
Further thorough environmental, geotechnical, and traffic assessments, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been finalised and submitted to Odisha’s State Chief Secretary. The project’s blueprint, aiming to interconnect Puri, Khurda, and Cuttack, is under active development, with the state gearing up for the funding phase. The Odisha government, under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s approval, has allocated Rs 5,929 crore towards this ambitious initiative, marking a significant investment in the region’s urban transportation infrastructure.
Benefits of the Bhubaneswar Metro
- Will simplify and improve travel within Bhubaneswar for residents and visitors alike.
- The introduction of the metro will significantly cut down travel time between Bhubaneswar and Puri.
- The 64 km distance between Bhubaneswar and Puri can now be covered in approximately 30 minutes.
Past Challenges and Breakthrough
The journey towards establishing metro services in Odisha, particularly between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, has seen its fair share of hurdles. Initial attempts in August 2014 and March 2021 faced obstacles, including the region’s demography and high project costs, preventing them from coming to fruition. Nonetheless, 2023 emerged as a pivotal year with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) laying the foundation, signalling a promising turn in Odisha’s urban transit saga.
Conclusion
The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation, alongside DMRC, formalised their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding for the project’s Phase I, securing a budget of ₹6,255 crore.
This initiative not only signifies a significant leap in Odisha’s transit infrastructure but also aligns with broader goals of fostering transit-oriented development, economic stimulation, and regional growth. With sights set on extending the metro to Khurda, Puri, and beyond, Odisha is on the cusp of a transformative era in public transportation.
Image Credit (representational): Unsplash
