‘Not viable’: Bhubaneswar metro project hangs in balance as Odisha govt cancels tender

The ambitious Bhubaneswar Metro project, once considered a game-changer for urban mobility in Odisha, has hit a major roadblock after the state government cancelled the tender for its first phase. Citing the project as “not viable” in its current form, the Odisha government announced a fresh review of the plan, putting the city’s dream of a modern metro system in uncertain territory.

Tender Cancellation and Legal Implications

The first phase of the project, which involved constructing an elevated viaduct and six metro stations between Nandan Vihar and Trisulia Square, had been awarded to Ceigall India Ltd and Ranjit Buildcon Ltd. However, the state authorities, along with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), recently terminated these contracts, citing significant delays, cost escalations, and concerns about feasibility.

DMRC’s official termination notice has sparked legal tension, with Ceigall India Ltd signaling its intention to claim compensation for damages. The cancellation comes as a surprise to many, given that preliminary work, including alignment surveys, was already underway.

Government’s Reasoning

Odisha’s Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and Transport Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra have stated that the elevated metro plan was becoming increasingly unfeasible. The original design, approved by the previous government, required massive infrastructure investment entirely funded by the state exchequer. With rising costs and logistical challenges in dense city areas, the current administration believes a new approach is necessary.

Mahapatra emphasized that the government is not abandoning the metro project altogether. Instead, it is exploring a revised plan that could include underground stretches to avoid land acquisition issues and traffic disruptions. Moreover, the state is now open to collaborating with the Central government and other stakeholders to share the financial burden.

Possible Extension to Cuttack

One of the key revisions under consideration is the extension of the metro line to Cuttack, Bhubaneswar’s twin city. Urban planners and policymakers argue that a metro system connecting both cities would serve a larger commuter base, boosting ridership and justifying the high investment.

The new inter-ministerial committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, has been tasked with studying successful metro models in other Indian cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The committee’s recommendations, expected within the next few months, will shape the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Political Reactions

The cancellation has ignited a political storm in Odisha. Former Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik criticized the move, calling it a “major setback” for Bhubaneswar’s development aspirations. According to Patnaik, the metro project was essential for easing traffic congestion, reducing pollution, and modernizing urban infrastructure.

“The BJP-led state government has pushed Bhubaneswar 10 years back,” Patnaik said, accusing the administration of neglecting a critical urban project for political reasons. The BJD has vowed to continue raising this issue, warning that prolonged delays could cost the state both time and money.

On the other hand, the current government argues that the previous plan was rushed and financially unsustainable. “We want a metro system that is both practical and future-proof. It’s better to revise the plan now than face cost overruns and operational failures later,” said Minister Harichandan.

Impact on Urban Development

Bhubaneswar, often hailed as one of India’s fast-growing smart cities, has been grappling with rising vehicular traffic and pollution levels. The metro project, announced in 2023, was expected to alleviate these problems by offering a reliable, modern transit system. Its first phase, stretching from Biju Patnaik Airport to Trisulia, was scheduled to be operational by 2027.

The sudden pause has raised concerns about the city’s long-term transportation planning. Urban experts caution that without timely investment in mass transit solutions, Bhubaneswar may face worsening congestion over the next decade.

What Lies Ahead?

The state government insists that the metro is not being scrapped but restructured. A fresh DPR is being prepared, incorporating lessons from other metro systems and new technological options. An underground metro, while costlier upfront, could be a better long-term solution, minimizing land acquisition issues and preserving the city’s aesthetics.

Funding remains a critical challenge. Unlike the earlier model, which relied solely on state resources, the new plan may involve public-private partnerships (PPP) and central government grants. This approach could not only distribute costs but also bring in technical expertise from national metro operators.

Conclusion

The Bhubaneswar Metro project stands at a crossroads. While the cancellation of the initial tender has delayed progress, it also opens the door for a more robust and realistic plan. If the government succeeds in crafting a sustainable model—potentially with central support and an extended route—the metro could still become a reality within this decade.

For now, commuters and city planners must wait for the inter-ministerial committee’s recommendations and the revised DPR. Whether Bhubaneswar can revive its metro dream without losing momentum will depend on how quickly the new strategy takes shape and secures the required funding.