Metro rail service not feasible in Odisha in next 20 years: Min

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Housing & Urban Development Minister Pratap Jena has informed the Legislative Assembly that metro rail service is not feasible in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack till 2041.

There is currently no proposal regarding metro rail service in the two cities. Earlier, a survey in this connection was jointly conducted by the Central Government and the State Government. Tender was also floated while five companies expressed interest. The tender was awarded to Balaji Railroad Systems Private Limited for feasibility survey, the minister said while replying to a question by Jatani MLA Suresh Kumar Routray.

The survey revealed that the service is not feasible on the basis of population. The Central Government and the State Government had given Rs 12.61 lakh and Rs 52 lakh to the company, respectively, said Jena.

During the survey, the state government had given proposal for metro rail service till Khordha and Jatani. Demand will be raised for another survey in which metro rail service from Cuttack to Chandikhole and Bhubaneswar to Puri will be proposed, said Jena.