Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra clarified on Friday that the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project has not been cancelled but only kept on hold temporarily.
Dr Mahapatra stated that the project remains under consideration and the Bhubaneswar Metro Corporation office continues to function. He said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is reviewing all aspects of the project, while an inter-ministerial committee has been formed to examine its feasibility and future direction.
The Metro project has sparked intense debate in Odisha. Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and Mayor Sulochana Das recently wrote to the Chief Minister, urging reconsideration of the Cabinet’s decision. The Minister’s statement has reassured citizens that the government has not abandoned the plan.
The committee will assess financial viability, urban needs and public interest before making recommendations. The government has already spent significant funds on the project, and discussions with the Centre are expected to explore funding options.
