Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra has said the proposed Bhubaneswar metro rail project will be revived in a new form, stressing that the state government is committed to developing a broader urban transport network linking key cities.

The minister said there is a clear need for a metro system, but planning will not be limited to Bhubaneswar alone. Instead, the government is working on a tri-city model integrating Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Cuttack. He added that in the coming years, these cities, along with Paradeep, are expected to emerge as a major economic region, driving overall growth.

The minister also raised concerns over past urban planning, questioning the preparedness of city infrastructure despite the Biju Janata Dal being in power for 24 years. He pointed to the current condition in Bhubaneswar as an example, asking who should be held accountable for the situation.

Clarifying the government’s stand, Mohapatra said the administration is not opposed to the metro project. “We have not cancelled the metro. It has only been kept in abeyance,” he said, adding that necessary procedures for the project are still underway.

He further explained that executing the metro without proper alternative road arrangements would have caused severe inconvenience to the public, especially during testing phases and prolonged construction. According to him, creating alternative routes is essential before taking up such large-scale infrastructure work.

The minister also emphasised the need for collaboration with the central government, including adopting appropriate planning and technology, to ensure the project is implemented effectively.