Metro will be implemented in future, but not at the cost of heavy losses

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday made a significant statement on the proposed Bhubaneseswar metro train project, asserting that while the government remains committed to introducing a metro system in the future, it will proceed only after proper planning and feasibility assessment.

Addressing the media, the minister said that implementing the metro project under current conditions would be financially unviable, potentially leading to annual losses of Rs 1,000–2,000 crore. “There is no need to rush into the project merely for electoral gains while incurring heavy recurring losses,” he stated.

He emphasized that the state government is serious about the metro project but will take a decision only after the completion of a comprehensive mobility plan. The plan, currently being prepared by a designated agency, will assess actual demand, routes, and the city’s expansion needs.

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Existing contract termed “faulty”; alignment found unsuitable

Harichandan also termed the earlier agreement for the metro project as a “faulty contract” and pointed out that the proposed alignment was not suitable. He alleged that the previous government had moved ahead with the project without involving the Central government, unlike metro projects in other cities which are typically executed with Centre-State collaboration.

Criticizing past decisions, the minister said the earlier administration attempted to push the project for political mileage without adequate planning. “At present, the project has been kept on hold to avoid unnecessary expenditure,” he added.

Scientific planning and Centre’s participation key to future rollout

He further informed that the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation will continue to exist, and the government will move forward in a scientific and structured manner once the mobility plan is finalized.

The minister reiterated that the metro’s necessity, routes, and scale will be aligned with the future growth of Bhubaneswar, ensuring that the project is both sustainable and beneficial for the public.

He added that a ministerial committee’s decision on the matter has the full backing of the Chief Minister and the state Cabinet, and the government will take an appropriate call on the metro project at the right time.