Inter-Ministerial Committee Reviews Bhubaneswar Metro Project Implementation Roadmap

Bhubaneswar: An inter-ministerial committee meeting to review the progress and roadmap for the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project was held today at the Lok Seva Bhawan Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The meeting followed the formation of a dedicated sub-committee directed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to expedite the planning and execution of the flagship public transport initiative.

The sub-committee, chaired by Singh Deo, comprises key ministers and senior officials from relevant departments to ensure inter-departmental coordination and effective project execution. The meeting focused on finalizing key modalities for implementation, strengthening urban mobility, ensuring smooth rail-road integration, and addressing traffic congestion across the capital city.

During the meeting, the committee discussed ways to develop a robust and future-ready public transportation system for Bhubaneswar, aligning with the broader objectives of a Comprehensive Mobility Plan. Officials emphasized the importance of people-centric planning and prioritizing traffic decongestion as a core outcome of the metro project.

Consultations were held with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) representatives, including CEO Kalyan Patnaik, Vikas Kumar, and Pramit Garg, to explore technical and operational aspects of the project.

Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and Industry, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain also participated in the meeting and shared their insights on infrastructure integration, workforce readiness, and stakeholder engagement.

Top bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary Finance Saswat Mishra, Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Usha Padhee, and BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, presented departmental perspectives and reaffirmed their commitment to the successful rollout of the metro rail system.

The Bhubaneswar Metro Project is envisioned as a transformative urban infrastructure initiative that will not only address traffic challenges but also elevate the quality of life and economic prospects of the region. Further steps in the planning and execution phases will be taken with a focus on citizen convenience, sustainable growth, and modern urban transport solutions.