Bhubaneswar, Aug 20: The long-awaited Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project has once again captured public attention as the Odisha government on Wednesday formally submitted a fresh proposal to the central government, seeking technical and financial assistance. This move comes after years of political debate and stalled progress.

During a recent session in the Rajya Sabha, BJD MP Sasmit Patra raised questions regarding the status of the metro project. In response, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs confirmed that the state government had submitted a proposal and that a technical committee would be formed to conduct feasibility studies and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Odisha’s Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra emphasized that the new metro plan is designed with long-term sustainability and urban mobility in mind. He criticized the previous BJD-led government’s metro initiative, calling it an “election gimmick” with no budgetary allocation or central consultation.

The BJP-led state government now aims to develop a durable and future-ready metro system with central support. A technical team will study metro systems in other cities and recommend suitable routes, parking zones, and infrastructure models. The project is envisioned with a horizon extending to 2050, ensuring it aligns with Bhubaneswar’s evolving urban landscape.

The political back-and-forth continues, with BJD leaders defending their earlier efforts and accusing the current government of misleading the public. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid the foundation stone for the metro on January 1, 2024, just ahead of the 2024 elections. However, critics argue that the plan lacked depth and long-term vision.

As the new proposal gains traction, citizens of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and surrounding regions remain hopeful that their metro dream will finally take shape.

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