Bringing to the notice of the Chief Minister, the BJP MP said though Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are important cities in the State, they do not have Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS).
“As per metro Rail Policy, 2017, the cities having more than 20 lakh population should plan for Metro rail System. The population in Bhubaneswar is likely to exceed 20 lakh within four to five years. The current population of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack is already exceeding 20 lakh,” the MP said.
“In the fitness of things, an integrated Metro Rail system should be planned for both the cities by the State Government. The project can be implemented in a phased manner, first starting with Bhubaneswar, and thereafter expanding to the city of Cuttack. Metro system can be planned under 50:50 equity partnership of Central and State Government as per Metro Policy 2017,” stated Aparajita Sarangi.
“The implementation of the project can be done by 50:50 Joint Venture of Central Government and Government of Odisha. The development of the Metro system will not only improve mobility, but it will also enhance the commercial activities in both the twin cities,” she added.
She urged CM Naveen to direct officials to send a proposal to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for sanctioning central financial assistance for feasibility study and project report.