Bhubaneswar, Jan 1: In a momentous event that resonated with the aspirations of the people of Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik marked a historic milestone today by laying the foundation stone for the state's inaugural metro rail project.
The ambitious venture, named the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail, aims to establish a vital transportation link connecting the Biju Patnaik International Airport to Trisulia, situated on the outskirts of Cuttack.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony took place at a specially organized program held at Ratagada Lenka Sahi near Baranga. Prior to this momentous occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik paid homage to the visionary leader Biju Babu by garlanding his statue at the airport.
Following this tribute, a grand road show ensued as Naveen traversed the route to Trisulia, where enthusiastic crowds from Bhubaneswar eagerly awaited his arrival at 12 different locations, extending a warm and rousing welcome.
Under the aegis of the 5T Initiatives, the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project is set to receive a significant financial injection from the government of Odisha, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 5929.38 crore.
Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had originally unveiled plans for the state's maiden metro rail project on Utkal Diwas just a year ago.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has been roped in to play a pivotal role as the turnkey consultant for the project, ensuring its successful implementation. The initial phase of the 26-kilometer metro rail network will encompass 20 strategically located stations.
Future plans include expanding the metro rail project to encompass both directions, reaching the cities of Cuttack and Puri. This visionary initiative signifies a crucial stride toward modernization and improved connectivity for the people of Odisha.
