Odisha Scraps Bhubaneswar Metro Tender Launched By BJD Government, Citing Viability Concerns

Bhubaneswar’s ambitious metro rail project has hit a roadblock after the Odisha government cancelled the tender for the first phase, raising concerns over its viability and cost.

The project, launched by the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government, was estimated at Rs 6,300 crore and aimed to connect Bhubaneswar Airport with Trisulia near the Orissa High Court in Cuttack, covering 26 km with 20 stations.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra explained the move, saying, “The metro project initiated by the previous government wouldn’t have been viable. Our government has formed an inter-minister committee to take a fresh look into the project by studying different aspects, its viability and to submit a fresh proposal before the project.”

He added that unlike the BJD, the current administration would work in consultation with the Centre to ensure the project’s feasibility.

The first phase, designed with elevated viaducts, had been slated for completion by 2027, with extensions planned to Puri, Khurda, and Cuttack.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation had been engaged to implement the project, with tenders floated and initial groundwork underway. However, progress stalled after the BJP assumed power in Odisha on 24 June.

Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik criticised the decision, alleging that “ the double-engine government has betrayed the people of Odisha by cancelling an important project like Metro Rail. The shocking decision by double engine will push the city 10 years back.”

Writing on X, he said, “It has always been our dream to develop #Bhubaneswar into a world-class city. We have been focusing on world class sports infrastructure, organising marquee international events, providing seamless modern transport and developing the IT ecosystem to transform the temple city into a world class city.”

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