On Track: Unveiling the Future of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack's Metro Journey

 

The metro rail project in Bhubaneswar is poised to transform Odisha’s urban landscape, as emphasised by Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra and the Chief Minister’s recent initiatives. The proposed metro, originally a 26-km stretch between Biju Patnaik International Airport (BIA) and Trisulia in Cuttack, is undergoing route revisions with an expert committee’s input. With Rs 6,225 crore allocated, the project aims to enhance connectivity, ease traffic congestion, and elevate residents’ quality of life. The Chief Minister underscored its role in economic growth, highlighting its modern, eco-friendly transport potential. Phase 1, spanning 26 kilometres with 20 stations, will link key hubs like the airport and railway stations, with construction starting by November 20, 2023, and aiming for completion by 2027. Plans to extend services to Cuttack and an elevated corridor on Jayadev Vihar-Nandankanan Road are also in motion. 

India’s recent metro projects provide valuable lessons for Bhubaneswar. Delhi’s metro, operational since 2002, now covers over 390 km and is a global benchmark for seamless integration, despite early hurdles like land acquisition delays. Mumbai’s metro, launched in 2014, spans 70 km and has alleviated urban congestion, with Phase 1 completed ahead of schedule due to efficient public-private partnerships. Hyderabad’s metro, starting in 2017, covers 69 km and is celebrated for its sleek design and rapid execution, supported by meticulous planning. Thiruvananthapuram’s metro, however, offers a more cautionary tale. Approved in 2022, the 27.4-km project with 21 stations faced significant delays due to funding issues and environmental concerns, particularly over its alignment through ecologically sensitive areas. While its first phase is now underway with a budget of Rs 6,728 crore, progress has been slower than Hyderabad’s, underscoring the need for robust financial planning and stakeholder consensus—lessons Bhubaneswar can heed. 

The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack metro presents both opportunities and challenges. The planned elevated corridor and vehicular integration reflect strategic foresight, but the need for a revised detailed project report (DPR) indicates a careful approach to ensure viability, unlike the smoother rollouts in Delhi or Hyderabad. With Rs 210 crore allocated for 2023-24 and Rs 1,000 crore sanctioned this financial year (Rs 393 crore spent), momentum is building. However, coordinating urban dynamics between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack will be key, especially given Thiruvananthapuram’s delays over alignment disputes. The Chief Minister’s push to expedite construction and the operational target within a few years signals ambition. 

In conclusion, Bhubaneswar’s metro, backed by significant investment and inspired by successful Indian metros, is on a promising path. By learning from Thiruvananthapuram’s challenges and emulating Hyderabad’s efficiency, Odisha can ensure this project reshapes its urban future effectively.