Odisha re-evaluates feasibility of Bhubaneswar Metro in line with the National Metro Rail Policy

Bhubaneswar, India (Metro Rail Today): The proposed Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project remains under active scrutiny, with the Odisha government re-evaluating its feasibility in line with the National Metro Rail Policy. An inter-ministerial committee is currently reviewing key parameters including projected ridership, technical specifications and overall financial viability.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra informed the Odisha Legislative Assembly, in response to a non-starred question, that the project has not been shelved but is undergoing detailed examination. However, the absence of a firm timeline or decision has left the project’s future uncertain, even as public expectations continue to grow.

The project encountered a setback after the incoming BJP government cancelled two tenders floated by the previous administration. Nearly 20 months into the current government’s tenure, the inter-ministerial committee has reportedly met twice, without arriving at any conclusive outcome. At the official level, discussions have explored the possibility of advancing the metro project alongside the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Industrial Corridor Initiative (BCICI), potentially with central government support.

The originally proposed corridor spans 26 kilometres from Trishulia in Cuttack district to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, with an estimated project cost of ₹6,255.94 crore. According to the minister’s written reply to MLA Nalinikant Pradhan, ₹273.51 crore (unaudited) had been spent on the project as of December 31, 2025.

The government has also initiated preparation of a Comprehensive Mobility Plan and Odisha’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan to improve long-term transport planning and enhance the metro project’s operational efficiency and financial sustainability. Existing surveys and Detailed Project Reports are expected to serve as foundational inputs for future urban mobility blueprints.

Metro rail projects in major cities typically require eight to ten years for completion. With Bhubaneswar witnessing steady urban expansion and population growth, the need for a structured mass transit solution continues to intensify. The previous administration had conceptualised the metro network to address emerging mobility pressures and future-proof the capital’s transport infrastructure.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “A metro project must be grounded in realistic ridership projections and long-term urban growth patterns. While policy-aligned review is essential, prolonged uncertainty can slow momentum. Integrating the Bhubaneswar Metro with the BCICI corridor could strengthen its economic case and position it as a catalyst for regional development.”

The final decision on the Bhubaneswar Metro will likely hinge on the committee’s recommendations and the state’s alignment with national funding and policy frameworks, leaving stakeholders closely watching the next steps.