Bhubaneswar: Two days after the Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, decided not to proceed with the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project as previously planned, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday criticised the move and demanded a reconsideration.

Addressing a press conference at Shankha Bhawan, the party’s headquarters, former Minister Ashok Panda termed the cancellation “unfortunate and regrettable,” alleging it reflected an “inferiority mindset.” He also claimed ministers were issuing conflicting statements on the project, which he said was misleading the public.

Bhubaneswar (Central) MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, who was present at the briefing, alleged the decision to scrap the project was politically motivated, as it had been initiated under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. He claimed the government feared continuing the project would allow Patnaik to take credit.

Calling the move a “betrayal of the people and future generations,” Jena criticised the “double-engine government” for halting a project aimed at improving urban mobility.

Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das and Cuttack Mayor Subhash Singh also urged the state government to reconsider the decision, stating the metro project would have significantly improved connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
During its meeting on Saturday, the State Cabinet decided to terminate the agreement with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which had been engaged for the execution of the project.

Cabinet's decision on the project

The Cabinet also resolved to repurpose BMRCL as a nodal agency to coordinate inter-departmental efforts under the ‘Sustainable Urban Mobility Transition Plan in Odisha’. It may also function as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for future mobility projects in the state.

The state government said the decision was based on recommendations of an Inter-Ministerial Committee, which flagged several feasibility concerns, including non-compliance with the National Metro Rail Policy (2017), low projected ridership, and traffic demand falling below required thresholds.

According to the government, continuing the project in its current form could have resulted in recurring annual operational losses.

Minister replies to the allegations

Responding to the BJD’s charges, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said the government’s goal is to build a developed Odisha by 2036, and it is taking consistent steps towards achieving that vision, which appears to be causing discomfort among members of the Opposition.

“They often express criticism out of frustration or envy. However, we welcome all their remarks and criticisms with an open mind. For us, the development of the state remains the sole priority,” the Minister added.