Industry Odisha Bureau, April 10: Senior BJP leader and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to reconsider the state cabinet’s decision to suspend the proposed Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project for greater public interest.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Sarangi said, “There is visible public support for the Metro Rail project in Bhubaneswar, ignoring the public desire and demand risks belying their expectations and weakening trust in development promises.”
Sarangi emphasised that Bhubaneswar is at a tipping point due to rapid urbanisation, rising traffic congestion, and the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions.
Bhubaneswar has been witnessing rapid urbanisation and population growth in recent years, leading to increasing traffic congestion, increasing pressure on existing public transport systems and a growing demand for sustainable urban mobility solutions, she said.
It is almost at a tipping point now. The capital city needs a high-capacity, cost-efficient and modern public transport system, the MP said.
Advocating for the mega project, she said, “The Metro is the most viable long-term solution which can transform public transport in the City and adjoining areas, including Cuttack, Jatni and Khurda. Metro will provide better transport facilities to senior citizens, women, children, students, working professionals, vendors and differently abled people.” Shelving the Metro Rail Project would impact job creation, economic stimulation, and planned urban development, she noted.
“Shelving the Metro Rail Project means missing out on multiplier effects such as job creation, economic stimulation, and urban development,” she wrote, stressing that the project is not merely about transportation but about shaping Bhubaneswar into a modern, smart city,” she said.
The MP further stated that the combined population of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Khurda justifies the need for a metro system.
She also pointed out that metro connectivity would boost tourism by providing easier access to major landmarks such as Lingaraj Temple, Dhauli, and Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Stating that she had advocated for commencement of Metro Rail project in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack in 2022 to the then CM Naveen Patnaik, Sarangi said that some of the rationale cited for premature closure of the project are not based on factual analysis.
Since metro rail is already in operation in 18 cities, including Tier-II cities and construction is underway in 16 more large urban areas besides being planned for another 12 cities, Bhubaneswar must not miss out the opportunity at this point. A capital city should lead by example – not lag behind, she further argued.
Sarangi informed that around Rs 274 crore has already been spent on the project. Delaying it further could escalate costs significantly. “If the decision to have a Metro Rail project is taken 10 to 15 years down the line, that would result in very high escalation of cost…two to four times of the current estimated amount,” she added.
Stating that some infrastructure initiatives are undertaken for the public good and not for profit, Sarangi concluded by offering to facilitate coordination with Central departments and explore funding support from the Centre, urging the Chief Minister to reconsider the state Cabinet’s April 4 decision.
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