Bhubaneswar: Over the alleged delay in initiating the proposed Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Metro project, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha.

BJD MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra said it was unfortunate the state government had not moved forward with the metro project connecting Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. He alleged the government lacks interest in fulfilling the aspirations of the people.

“Governance is a continuous process. Irrespective of which party comes to power, it is the duty of the government to work in the interest of the people,” Mishra said, alleging the present government’s approach is “anti-people”.

He further stated with Bhubaneswar expanding rapidly and traffic congestion increasing, the need for a metro system has become more pressing. According to him, the previous BJD government had conceptualised the metro project to address these issues.

The metro project was formally launched in 2023 by the then BJD government using state funds. The foundation stone was laid at Trisulia, and the project was scheduled to be completed within four years. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had also been awarded the tender to execute the project.

However, after the BJP assumed power in Odisha in 2024, the metro project appears to have been put on the back burner.