Bhubaneswar: Aparajita Sarangi, Bhubaneswar MP, has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging him to reconsider the State Cabinet’s decision to stop the proposed Metro Rail project for Bhubaneswar.

The Bhubaneswar MP raised concerns over the “abrupt closure” of the project, calling it an issue of larger public interest. She said the decision has triggered public concern at a time when the capital city is witnessing rapid urbanisation and population growth.

Sarangi highlighted that increasing traffic congestion and pressure on existing public transport systems have made it necessary to adopt a modern and sustainable mobility solution. She described the Metro Rail as a long-term, high-capacity and cost-efficient transport system that could transform connectivity not only in Bhubaneswar but also in nearby regions like Cuttack, Jatani and Khordha.

The MP pointed out that the Metro project would benefit a wide section of society, including senior citizens, women, students, working professionals and vendors, while also improving accessibility for differently abled persons.

She said that the growing integration of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Khordha, along with projected population growth, justifies the need for a Metro system. The MP also linked the project to the state’s ambition of becoming an investor-friendly destination, saying modern urban transport is essential to boost tourism and economic activity.

A Metro network would improve access to key tourist sites such as Lingaraj Temple, Khandagiri-Udayagiri, Dhauli and Nandankanan Zoo, while also supporting employment generation and overall urban development, the MP said in the letter.

Sarangi further stated that population benchmarks or financial feasibility alone should not be grounds for rejecting the project. She pointed out that Metro services are already operational in several Tier II cities across the country and are under construction or planning in many others, even where population thresholds are lower.

She also raised concerns over financial implications, noting that around Rs 274 crore has already been spent on the project. Delaying or shelving it now could lead to significant cost escalation in the future, potentially increasing expenses by two to four times if revived after a decade or more.

Emphasising that Metro projects are typically not designed for immediate profit, Sarangi said such infrastructure is developed in the public interest and is often subsidised by governments. She described the project as a catalyst for job creation, economic growth and improved quality of life.

Citing the growing number of Metro systems across India, she questioned whether Odisha should lag behind, especially when there is visible public support for the project.

The MP urged the Chief Minister to revisit the Cabinet decision taken on April 4, 2026, and offered her assistance in facilitating coordination with the Centre and exploring funding options to move the project forward.