Bhubaneswar: The Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra has informed that the Metro Railway project in Odisha will take a new shape as a tri-city initiative covering Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri.
Speaking to the media, Minister Mohapatra emphasized the need for a modern metro train system in the region. He informed that the project is not limited to Bhubaneswar alone but has been planned as an integrated tri-city metro rail network connecting Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri.
He further stated that in the coming days, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and Paradip will emerge as a major economic region, which will witness all-round economic growth and development.
The Minister questioned the lack of proper urban planning in the past, asking why Bhubaneswar is facing traffic and infrastructure issues today. “Was there no town planning by the government for the last 24 years? Who is responsible for the present situation?” he asked.He clarified that the current government is not against the Metro Rail project.
“We want to build the metro rail service. We have not halted the project. The necessary processes are underway,” the Minister said. Minister Mohapatra explained that constructing the metro without proper road infrastructure would create major difficulties for daily commuters during the construction and testing phases.
He stressed the need for alternative roads before starting metro work. He added that the state government will seek necessary support and adopt suitable technology from the Central Government for the successful implementation of the project.
