Bhubaneswar, Aug 20: The Odisha government has reignited its plans for the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project by submitting a fresh proposal to the central government, aligning with the Metro Rail Policy 2017.

The renewed initiative comes after the earlier plan was scrapped due to traffic congestion and logistical challenges along the proposed route.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra announced that a technical committee comprising senior engineers, planners, and experts will be formed to prepare a comprehensive blueprint. This committee will conduct field visits to metro-operational cities to study best practices and gather public opinion before finalizing the plan.

The revised proposal emphasizes long-term sustainability, urban mobility, and integration with Bhubaneswar’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP). The project is expected to be executed as a joint venture between the state and central governments, with financial backing from the Centre.

According to the feasibility report, projected daily ridership figures for the metro are promising 67367 passengers in 2028, 72214 in 2031, 98835 in 2041, 142740 in 2051, and 160564 in 2054.

These numbers reflect the growing demand for efficient public transport in the capital city. The government aims to ensure last-mile connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance urban infrastructure through this transformative project.

The previous tenders awarded to private firms were cancelled, and the new plan will feature updated route alignments, parking zones, and integration points with existing transport systems. The proposal is currently under review by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.