Quote:MP Aparajita Sarangi urges CM to take initiative for Metro Rail system in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack

Citing the Metro Rail Policy, 2017, MP Aparajita Sarangi said the cities having more than 20 lakh population should plan for Metro Rail System.

BJP MP from Bhubaneswar, Aparajita Sarangi has shot off a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik requesting him to send a proposal to the Centre for an integrated metro rail system in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Underlining the necessity for ‘Metro Rail’ between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, Sarangi said though Cuttack and Bhubaneswar are two important cities of Odisha, they don’t have Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). 

Citing the Metro Rail Policy, 2017, she said the cities having more than 20 lakh population should plan for Metro Rail System.

"In this regard, I would like to mention that the population of Bhubaneswar is likely to exceed 20 lakh within 4 to 5 years. Further, the combined population of twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack is already exceeding 20 lakh,” the BJP MP wrote.

“Therefore, in the fitness of things, an integrated Metro Rail system should be planned by the State Government. The project can be implemented in a phased manner, first starting with the city of Bhubaneswar, thereafter expanding to the city of Cuttack,” she added.

The IAS-turned-politician stated that metro system can be planned under a 50-50 equity partnership of Central and State Governments as per Metro Policy 2017. The implementation of the project can be done by 50:50 Joint Venture of Central Government and the Government of Odisha.

"The development of Metro system will not only improve the mobility, but it will also enhance the commercial activities in both the twin cities,” she said.

The MP further added, “For going ahead with Metro rail system, feasibility cum detailed project report (DPR) needs to be prepared. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), under Urban Transport Planning and Capacity Building Scheme, provides financial assistance up to 50% for conducting feasibility study and for preparing DPR for formulating such a proposal.”

She requested the CM to look into the matter and directed the concerned officials to send a proposal to MoHUA for sanctioning central financial assistance for feasibility study and Detailed Project Report.

“In anticipation of the State Government sending a detailed proposal to GoI, I am writing to Hon’ble Minister, MoHUA, GoI, for positive consideration of the state proposal once it reaches the Ministry,” she said in her letter.

Quote:“I am pleased to announce the metro train project connecting Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Khurda. The project has been studied by various stake holders and feasibility reports prepared . In the first phase we will create the metro trunk route from Trisulia near Cuttack to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. The route will tentatively touch major landmarks such as Nandankanan, Patia, Vani Vihar, Railway Station and so on . As the project is starting from near Subash Bose Setu, it will enable  the commuters from CTC  to access important locations in Bbsr. In later phases the metro will expand to Khurda and Puri,” said CM Naveen Patnaik.

“I have asked Housing and Urban Development Department to complete the DPR on a war footing. The project will be predominantly based on elevated corridors  and will be entirely funded by the state government,” he added.

(Reported by Harihar Chand)

1. Biju Patnaik airport, 
   
2. Capital Hospital, 
   
3. Sishu Bhawan, 
   
4. Bapuji Nagar, 
   
5. Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 
   
6. Ram Mandir Square, 
   
7. ???
   
8. Vani Vihar, 
   
9. Acharya Vihar, 
   
10. Jaydev Vihar, 
    
11. Xavier Square, 
    
12. Rail Sadan, 
    
13. Damana Square, 
    
14. Patia Square, 
    
15. KIIT Square, 
    
16. Nandan Vihar, 
    
17. Raghunathpur, 
    
18. Nandankanan Zoological Park, 
    
19. Phulapokhari and 
    
20. Trishulia Square (Cuttack).
    

• In peak time there will a train every 10 minutes; other times the frequency will be every 16-40 minutes; 30 second stop in each station
  
• Peak speed will be 85 km/hr
  
• Average speed will be 33 km/hr
  
• Ticket cost will range from Rs 14-69: 0-2kms (Rs 14), 2-5 kms (Rs 28); 5-10 kms (Rs 42); 10-17 kms (Rs 56); > 17 kms (Rs 69)
  
• Expected to carry 95,434 passengers per day initially; 102,797 in 2031; 143,000 in 2041; 211,000 in 2051; and 238,000 in 2055.
  
• The whole path will be an elevated  corridor at 31-43 ft height on the median.
  
• Precast technology will be used to make it
  
• Work to start April 2024 and expected to finish March 2028.
  
• Rs 5929 crores to be spent initially
  
• Metro to run 19 hrs a day (5 AM - midnight)
  
• 3 car metro with 972 passenger capacity (136 seats)
  
• In 2028 it will start with 13 rakes
  
• Very little private land acquisition will be needed; only some between Acharya Vihar and Jayadev Vihar
  
• 53 turns; The road will be expanded by two lanes before starting metro construction
  
• Station will be made to accommodate 6 coaches; but will have room to expand to 6 coaches
  
• Station platform width will be 81 meters initially; will have room to expand to 140 meters