"CM to Inaugurate Foundation Stone for Odisha's First Metro Project on January 1"

Odisha's Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, is set to inaugurate the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the eagerly awaited Bhubaneswar Metro project on January 1, 2024, according to an official statement.

In line with the directives of Chief Minister Patnaik, V K Pandian, Chairman of the 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Nabina Odisha, along with senior officials, conducted a comprehensive review of the proposed Metro Rail Project. This visionary project is intended to connect the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Phase I of the Metro Rail project is designed to establish a vital transportation link connecting Bhubaneswar Airport with Trisulia Square, passing through key locations such as Chandrasekharpur, Jaydev Vihar, Vihar, Master Canteen, and Rajmahal Square.

During the meeting, Pandian led discussions and facilitated decisions to ensure the timely commencement of the construction of the Metro Rail project. The Chief Minister had announced the project on Odisha Dibas on April 1, 2023, and the Detailed Project Report has since received government approval. A Master Plan is also in development to extend the Metro Rail service to additional areas of Bhubaneswar, as well as to Khordha, Puri, and Cuttack towns, in collaboration with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.

Trisulia is poised to become a significant transportation hub, serving the cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, and serving as the gateway to the Twin City from the Banki and Athagarh sides.

The Central Depot for the Metro Rail project will be situated near Trisulia Square, accommodating the Command and Control Centre, maintenance, and stabling facilities for the Metro trains. Notably, a new bus stand is under construction at Trisulia Square, with plans for expansion and integration with the Metro station.

Chairman of 5T and Nabina Odisha, Pandian, expressed satisfaction with the progress made by various departments and agencies and emphasized the need to complete preparatory work ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony scheduled for January 1, 2024. He stressed the importance of adhering to the principles of 5T to ensure the project's timely completion within a four-year timeline.

Furthermore, Pandian emphasized the need to align the metro system with the latest technologies and advanced equipment to provide efficient mobility solutions to passengers. He instructed officials to ensure that other modes of transport are seamlessly integrated with metro rail stations to facilitate passengers' movement.

Additionally, Pandian encouraged officials to plan the project with room for long-term expansion. He later conducted a surprise visit to the newly constructed Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal (CNBT), seeking feedback from various stakeholders and inspecting the facility's cleanliness.

During the visit, Pandian interacted with passengers, vendors, service providers, bus operators, and staff members. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the integrated information management system to improve passenger experience and ensure hassle-free travel.

Officials also visited the transformed Taldanda Canal, where Pandian advised maintaining visual aesthetics along the canal to continue serving as a recreational hub for the people of Cuttack City.

The visit was attended by Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Manoj Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary of the E&IT Department, senior officials from Cuttack District administration, Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation, and the Works Department of the Government of Odisha.

ET