Bhubaneswar, April 9: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Member of Parliament (MP) Sasmit Patra has urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to reconsider the decision to suspend the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project. In a letter to the Chief Minister, Patra proposed that the state adopt the funding model used for the Jaipur Metro project, which has proven to be effective.
Patra emphasized the need to revisit the decision to cancel the Odisha Metro project, suggesting that the state explore the Jaipur Metro model with the central government’s collaboration. He stated, "I request the Odisha government, through you, to reconsider the cancellation of the Odisha Metro project and consider adopting the Jaipur funding model in consultation with the Government of India."
Patra’s letter comes after the Odisha Cabinet approved a proposal to halt the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project, citing concerns about its feasibility. This decision came shortly after the Union Cabinet approved Phase-2 of the Jaipur Metro on April 8, 2026, under the Metro Rail Policy of 2017. The Jaipur project will be funded through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), with an equal 50:50 contribution from both the Centre and the state, supplemented by external financing and subordinate debt.
Highlighting the Jaipur model as a viable example, Patra pointed out that it demonstrated how large metro projects could be effectively implemented through a well-structured partnership between the central and state governments. He noted that the Odisha Metro project, which is estimated at ₹6,255 crore for 2024, is smaller than Jaipur's original project, which was initially planned as fully state-funded. Under the Jaipur model, the Odisha Metro project would require ₹3,100 crore from both the Centre and the state.
Patra further argued that if Jaipur Metro, which costs over ₹13,000 crore and has received significant Union government support, can be considered feasible, then the Bhubaneswar Metro—at half the cost—should be equally viable and in line with national policies.
Earlier, Patra had written to Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, on April 6, requesting intervention to preserve the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project. In his letter, Patra warned that scrapping the project would impede crucial infrastructure development in the state, especially in the areas of mobility and economic growth.
The Odisha Metro project, proposed to cover the Puri–Khurda–Bhubaneswar–Cuttack corridor, aims to provide faster and safer travel options for residents. It would offer better access to education and employment for students and youth, while also providing senior citizens with improved transport facilities. Additionally, the project is expected to boost tourism by improving connectivity to key destinations and stimulate economic growth by reducing congestion, supporting small businesses, and creating new opportunities.
In response, Odisha’s Works Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, clarified that the state government has not abandoned the Bhubaneswar Metro project but is exploring alternative implementation models.
