The Metro rail project was announced on April 1, 2023 by the Chief Minister.
(Image: News18)
The DMRC will work as a key consultant for the project which is targeted to be completed in four years
The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation signed a contract with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday for the construction of Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project Phase-I that would connect Bhubaneswar airport to Trishulia in Cuttack.
The MoU was signed in presence of Odisha Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik, who joined in through a virtual platform. The DMRC will work as a key consultant for the project which is targeted to be completed in four years.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Pattnaik said that this pact signals emergence of a new epoch in the transportation history of Odisha. He further said, “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 symbolize the emergence of a New Odisha.”
“My Cabinet has approved the first phase of metro project from Bhubaneswar Airport to Trisulia Square at a cost of Rs 6,255 crores. This is the single largest investment made in any infrastructure project in the history of Odisha,” he added.
Appreciating the expertise of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, he said that DMRC is a pioneer in the field of construction and operation of metro rail in the country.
He expressed confidence regarding the construction of the metro rail while adding that it will be of World Class standard and will be completed in time.
While expressing her appreciation for the project, Housing and Urban Development Minister Usha Devi said that it’s a historic moment that will transform the transport sector.
DMRC MD Vikas Kumar called this an apt time to start transit oriented development in Odisha. He further said that it will boost the economy and push growth and development in the region.
The main features of the Metro Rail project are:
- Length of the project from Bhubaneswar Airport to Trisulia square will be 26 kms.
- A total 20 Metro stations including ones at Capital Hospital, Rajmahal square, Jayadev Vihar square and Patia square will be constructed.
- The Metro rail tracks and stations will be on elevated viaducts.
- Ultra-modern Coaches and signaling system will be adopted.
- Advanced Ticketing System will be used in its operations.
BACKGROUND OF THE METRO RAIL PROJECT
The project was announced on April 1, 2023 by the Chief Minister. On October 29, 5T Chairman VK Pandian visited Trishulia to take stock of the progress of the project prior to it’s foundation. Science & Technology Minister Sri Ashok Panda, Housing & Urban Development Principal Secretary G. Mathivatanan, BMRC CEO Siba Prasad Samantray, MLA Shri Anant Narayan Jena, Susant Rout, Mayor Sulochana Das and other senior officers were also present during the Chairman’s visit.
