Bhubaneswar: Foundation stone for the much-awaited metro rail project, with an estimated cost of Rs 5,929 crore, will be laid in Bhubaneswar by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on 1st January 2024.

The CM today approved a detailed project report (DPR) after reviewing the status of Phase I. The project cost will be entirely borne by the State government. A fund of around Rs 210 crore has been provided in the Supplementary Budget for the current year. It would be a landmark project in Odisha.

The project work will begin soon and is targeted for completion within four years. The CM directed all agencies concerned to work in close coordination and ensure the timely completion of the project.

Bhubaneswar will join a select group of top cities in the country with a metro rail system. This project will further strengthen public transport in the city and enable its economic growth. The city has been recognised for various urban projects and is emerging as a city with an enhanced quality of life. “I am sure, this mega project will make Bhubaneswar a top livable city in the country,” the CM stated.

Notably, the entire alignment of the project starting from Trisulia Square to Bhubaneswar Airport will be on an elevated structure and will run on the median/side of the existing roads with 20 stations. The stations will cover important locations like Nandankanan, KIIT Square, Damana Square, Jaydev Vihar, Vani Vihar, Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Bapuji Nagar, Sishu Bhawan and Capital Hospital.