BHUBANESWAR: Days after the state cabinet decided to stop the Metro Rail project for the capital city and the larger metropolitan region, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi has requested Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to reconsider the decision, in view of rapid urban expansion, traffic pressure and strong public sentiment in favour of the mass rapid transit system.
“There is visible public support for the Metro Rail project in Bhubaneswar. Ignoring the public desire and demand risks belying theirexpectations and weakening trust in development promises,” said the BJP MP in a letter to the chief minister.
Sarangi’s letter comes in wake of the April 4 cabinet decision to scrap the agreement with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The MP said she wanted to convey the popular sentiment with regard to the ‘abrupt closure’ of the project and pointed out that the city is at the tipping point given the significant population growth, rising traffic congestion and strain on existing public transport systems.
The MP argued Bhubaneswar needs a high-capacity, cost-efficient and modern public transport system and a metro will be the most viable long-term solution, which would cater to neighbouring regions such as Cuttack, Jatni and Khurda.
Stating that she had advocated for commencement of Metro Rail project in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack in 2022 to the then CM Naveen Patnaik, Sarangi said that some of the rationale cited for premature closure of the project are not based on factual analysis.
She said the projected population growth and urban expansion around the state capital justify the metro rail system. It would also add value to Bhubaneswar which is being positioned as one of the most investor-friendly cities in the country as well as one with immense tourism potential.
Since metro rail is already in operation in 18 cities, including Tier-II cities and construction is underway in 16 more large urban areas besides being planned for another 12 cities, she said, Bhubaneswar must not miss out the opportunity at this point. “A capital city should lead by example - not lag behind,” she reasoned.
The MP also flagged the financial implications of the decision, stating that around Rs 274 crore has already been spent on the project. Delaying it further could escalate costs significantly. “If the decision to have a Metro Rail project is taken 10 to 15 years down the line, that would result in very high escalation of cost…2 to 4 times of the current estimated amount,” she pointed out.
Sarangi said a metro could be a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and tourism and argued that none of the projects in India have been implemented with an anticipation of immediate profitability and subsidised by state governments.
Patra writes to CM too
BJD MP Sasmit Patra too urged CM Mohan Charan Majhi to revive the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project by adopting the Jaipur Metro funding model which was approved by the Union cabinet on April 8. The cabinet approved the 41 km Jaipur Metro Phase-2 project with a proposed investment of over Rs 13,000 crore under the Metro Rail Policy of 2017 through a 50:50 Centre-State SPV.
The BJD Rajya Sabha MP said Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project with an approved cost of Rs 6,255 crore is less than half the cost of Jaipur metro and was originally conceived as a 100 per cent state funded project. “If Jaipur Metro Phase-2 is viable after being supported by the Centre, I am sure the Odisha metro with half the cost would find viability and policy alignment,” he said.