Bhubaneswar: Preliminary work for the ambitious Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Metro project of the Odisha Government has commenced in the capital city.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which has been roped in by the State Government for preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), started Geotechnical Investigation near Nandankanan Road here.

The concerned team was examining the condition of the surface of the land and 30 feet below. It was also considering the status of water presence below the portion of land, a source said, adding that the DMRC will prepare the DPR on the basis of the survey report.

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has taken the help of the DMRC to prepare the DPR for the elevated rail-based metro system.

The proposed metro project will initially connect the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

The Odisha Rail Infrastructure Limited (ORIDL), a joint venture of the Odisha government and the Ministry of Railways, will be aided by DMRC in preparing the DPR for the metro project. In the first phase of the project, the DPR for the elevated metro corridor between the city airport and Trisulia in Cuttack will be prepared by the entity.

To ensure the smooth functioning of the metro project, a city coordination committee comprising entities such as the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, BDA, Commissionerate Police, and Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation has been formed.