Bhubaneswar, Nov 20 : Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC ) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the construction of Rs 6,255 crore phase-1 Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project.
The Metro project Phase-I will be constructed from Bhubaneswar airport to Trishulia in Cuttack.
The MoU was signed in presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through virtual mode . The project is targeted to be completed in four years.
The DMRC will work as a turn-key consultant for the project.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said ‘’this pact signals emergence of a new epoch in the transportation history of Odisha.
He further said that we are now poised to transform the transportation landscape in the capital region. This is a flagship programme under the 5T Initiative of my Government that will also symbolize the emergence of a New Odisha,’ Naveen added.
Patnaik said ‘’ My Cabinet has approved the First Phase of Metro Project from Bhubaneswar Airport to Trisulia Square at a cost of Rs. 6,225 crore. This is the single largest investment made in any infrastructure project in the history of Odisha.The entire cost of the project will be borne by the State Government.”
Expressing happiness over the project, the Chief Minister said, “I am happy that the BJD government headed by him is delivering yet another promise which was made as part of our Manifesto in 2019.”
Appreciating the expertise of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, he said DMRC is a pioneer in the field of construction and operation of Metro Rail in the country.
Naveen expressed confidence that the construction of the Metro Rail will be of World Class standards and it will be completed in time.
He wished grand success for the endeavour and hoped that this would set new benchmarks in the Metro Rail history in the country.
The metro rail project was announced by the Chief Minister on April 1 this year.
Housing & Urban Development Minister Usha Devi said that it’s a historic moment that will transform the transport sector. She appreciated the statesmanship of the Chief Minister for the Project.
Science & Technology Minister Ashok Panda said the project will make Cuttack and Bhubaneswar truly a twin city.
Chief Secretary PK Jena said that the project will not only ease out traffic in both the cities, but also spruce up the economy.
DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar said that this an apt time to start transit oriented development in Odisha. It will spruce up economy, and push growth and development in the region.
The 26 KM long project from Bhubaneswar Airport to Trisulia square will have 20 Metro stations including at Capital Hospital, Rajmahal square, Jayadev Vihar square and Patia square.
The Metro rail tracks and stations will be on elevated viaducts. Ultra-modern Coaches and signaling system and advanced ticketing system will be adopted for the project.
