The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) on Monday signed an agreement with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for construction of the first phase of Bhubaneswar Metro rail project from the Biju Patnaik International Airport to Trisulia Square in Cuttack.As per the memorandum of understanding,
DMRC will work as a turn-key consultant for the 26-km long project touching key landmarks such as Capital Hospital, Rajmahal Square, Jaydev Vihar and Patia. It is expected to be completed in four years. The MoU was signed between BMRC chief executive officer Siba Prasad Samantary and DMRC director Pramit Kumar Garg with chief minister Naveen Patnaik present through video link.
“We are now poised to transform the transportation landscape in the capital region. This is a flagship programme under the 5T initiative of my government that will also symbolise the emergence of a new Odisha,” a government statement quoting Naveen said. Naveen said the Rs 6,255 crore project with 20 stations is the single largest investment to be made in any infrastructure project in the history of the state. The entire cost will be borne by the state government, he said.
“I am happy that my government is delivering yet another promise which was made as part of our manifesto in 2019,” the chief minister was quoted as saying.
The programme was moderated by 5T chairman V K Pandian. DMRC managing director Vikas Kumar said this an apt time to start transit-oriented development in Odisha.
“It will spruce up the economy, and push growth and development in the region,” he said. Housing and urban development minister Usha Devi said it’s a historic moment that will transform the transport sector. Science and technology minister Ashok Panda said the project will make Cuttack and Bhubaneswar truly twin cities. Chief secretary Pradeep Jena said the project would ease traffic in both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar and will also boost economic activities.
The state cabinet had recently approved the proposal to construct the phase-I and appointment of DMRC as consultant to execute the Rs 5,929.38-crore project as a turn-key consultant for a fee of Rs 326.56 crore. Naveen had approved the detailed project report (DPR) on October 7. He is scheduled to lay the foundation stone on January 1.