Bhubaneswar Metro to Wait for Feasibility Study, Says Minister
Odisha Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has emphasised that the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project will move forward only after a comprehensive mobility plan and feasibility study.
He cautioned that rushing into construction without proper planning could result in annual losses of Rs 1,000–2,000 crore, making the project financially unsustainable.
The minister criticised the previous administration for faulty contracts and unsuitable alignment choices that lacked collaboration with the Centre.
He assured that the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation will remain active, but implementation will wait until the mobility plan is finalised.
The upcoming plan will assess passenger demand, route alignment, and the city’s expansion needs to ensure the metro system aligns with Bhubaneswar’s growth and sustainability goals.
The decision has full backing from the Chief Minister and Cabinet, ensuring the project will be executed at the right time under sound financial conditions.
