Bhubaneswar: The Centre today confirmed that the Odisha government is currently reassessing and restructuring the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project.
Responding to a question by BJD MP Sasmit Patra in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, informed that the State government is currently reassessing and restructuring the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project (Phase-I) under the framework of a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP).
The Minister further clarified that no correspondence or proposal is pending with the Central Government regarding financial support or scope revision. Metro projects are highly cost-intensive and must comply with the Metro Rail Policy, 2017, which emphasises long-term viability and sustainability, the minister pointed out.
Sahu noted that Odisha had earlier moved ahead with the Bhubaneswar Metro plan without formally consulting or seeking assistance from the Government of India.
According to data shared by the Odisha government in its Detailed Project Report (DPR), the projected daily ridership for the Bhubaneswar Metro is estimated at: 67,367 in 2028, 72,214 in 2031, 98,835 in 2041, 1,42,740 in 2051,1,60,564 in 2054.
When Patra sought clarification regarding delays or shelving of the project, the Minister responded that the question “does not arise” as the matter is under reassessment by the state government itself.
