Bhubaneswar, 12/1 : In a decisive move to accelerate urban mobility infrastructure in the state capital, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level review meeting of the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) at Lok Seva Bhawan today. The review focused on the ongoing Phase-1 construction connecting Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) to Trisulia Square in Cuttack, a project pivotal to decongesting the expanding Twin City region.
During the detailed assessment, CM Majhi directed officials to strictly adhere to the December 2027 completion deadline, dispelling earlier speculations regarding project delays due to viability reviews. Emphasizing that the metro is a “lifeline for the future of Odisha’s urban landscape,” the Chief Minister instructed the Housing and Urban Development Department to ensure seamless coordination between the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)—the turn-key consultant—and local agencies to mitigate construction-related traffic snarls.
“The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Metro corridor is not just an infrastructure project; it is an aspiration of millions. We must ensure world-class quality while maintaining the speed of execution. Any bottlenecks regarding land acquisition or utility shifting must be resolved immediately,” CM Majhi stated during the meeting.
The 26-km elevated corridor, estimated to cost approximately ₹6,255 crore, will feature 20 stations including key hubs like Capital Hospital, Jaydev Vihar, and Patia. The Chief Minister specifically reviewed the progress of the casting yards at Phulapokhari and the depot construction at Ratagada. Officials briefed the CM that soil testing is near completion and pile foundation work is progressing in full swing across critical stretches.
Significantly, the review also addressed the integration of the Metro project with the newly announced elevated corridor from Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan, for which the foundation stone was laid earlier today. The CM stressed the need for a multi-modal transport strategy, ensuring that the Metro stations align with the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) to provide last-mile connectivity through Mo Bus services.
Addressing the financial aspects, the review board confirmed that the state government has fully secured the funding for Phase-1. The Chief Minister also mandated a monthly progress report from the BMRC to monitor milestones. The meeting was attended by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Chief Secretary, and senior DMRC representatives.
As Bhubaneswar prepares to transform into a transit-oriented city, today’s review signals the state government’s firm commitment to delivering the metro rail promise, aiming to reduce the travel time between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to under 40 minutes upon completion.
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