Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: In a significant move towards enhancing urban mobility, the Odisha government has announced a fresh proposal for a Metro Rail project under a new framework. The decision was taken during the second meeting of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Metro Development, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo.

Odisha Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra revealed that a formal proposal will be submitted to the Central Government, and the Metro project will be executed in collaboration with central authorities. A technical committee will be formed to oversee the planning and execution of the new Metro system.

This committee will conduct field studies across various cities to assess feasibility and prepare a comprehensive report. The new plan includes identifying fresh routes, parking zones, and traffic integration strategies. A detailed Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) has already been prepared, outlining the blueprint for the Metro’s expansion.

Importantly, the previous Metro proposal has been scrapped due to logistical challenges and traffic disruptions during testing phases. Minister Patra emphasized that the earlier plan led to severe traffic jams and public inconvenience, especially during trial runs. The new approach aims to avoid such issues by selecting routes that minimize disruption.

The technical committee will also seek public feedback to ensure the project aligns with citizens’ needs. Once the committee submits its report, the government will finalize the new Metro track and initiate construction.

This renewed push for a Metro system reflects the state’s commitment to modernizing urban transport while ensuring minimal impact on daily life.

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