Bhubaneswar: MP Aparajita Sarangi has urged the Odisha government to reconsider its decision to halt the proposed metro rail project for Bhubaneswar and the surrounding regions, citing strong public sentiment and long-term urban needs.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Bhubaneswar MP highlighted the rapid pace of urbanisation and population growth in the capital city, which has led to increasing traffic congestion and mounting pressure on existing public transport systems. She noted that the city is nearing a critical point where a high-capacity and sustainable mobility solution has become essential.
Sarangi emphasised that a metro rail system remains a viable long-term solution to transform public transport in Bhubaneswar and adjoining areas, including Cuttack, Jatni, and Khurda. She pointed out that such a system would significantly improve accessibility for senior citizens, women, students, working professionals, vendors, and differently-abled individuals.
Referring to her earlier efforts, the MP stated that she had previously advocated for the metro project in a letter written in September 2022 to former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. She also reviewed the progress of the project during a visit to the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project Limited office in November 2024, where she found the implementation and administrative setup to be satisfactory.
Questioning the rationale behind the project’s closure, Sarangi said the reasons cited do not appear to be supported by a comprehensive assessment of the city’s future requirements. She argued that the expanding urban footprint of Bhubaneswar, along with its growing integration with Cuttack and Khurda, provides a strong case for a metro network.
She further noted that the state government’s vision of positioning Bhubaneswar as an investor-friendly and tourism-driven city necessitates the development of modern urban transport infrastructure. A metro system, she said, would enhance connectivity to major landmarks such as Lingaraj Temple, Khandagiri-Udayagiri, Dhauli, and Nandankanan, thereby improving the overall experience for visitors.
Highlighting broader trends, Sarangi pointed out that metro rail systems are already operational, under construction, or in planning stages across several Indian cities, including many that do not strictly meet population benchmarks. She stressed that a capital city should lead by example and not fall behind in adopting advanced transport solutions.
The MP also raised concerns over the financial implications of discontinuing the project, noting that approximately Rs 274 crore has already been spent from the state exchequer. She urged the government to take a comprehensive view of the situation and reconsider the decision in the larger public interest.
