Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik expressed shock and disappointment today over the “cancellation” of the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project by the BJP-led state government.
In a post on X, Patnaik, who governed Odisha for 24 years, lamented the scrapping of a project he described as a cornerstone of his vision to transform Bhubaneswar into a world-class city.
Shocked to know that Bhubaneswar Metro Rail contracts have been cancelled by BJP led #Odisha Govt.
It has always been our dream to develop #Bhubaneswar into a world-class city. We have been focusing on world class sports infrastructure, organising marquee international events,… pic.twitter.com/MPfpwFs9hV
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 26, 2025
The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail, proposed by the BJD government, was slated for completion of its first phase by 2027, with an estimated cost of Rs 6,255 crore. Patnaik highlighted its potential to alleviate congestion, enhance last-mile connectivity with the existing MoBus system, and catalyse urban expansion.
“It has always been our dream to develop Bhubaneswar into a world-class city,” he wrote, emphasising the project’s role in supporting sports infrastructure, international events, and the IT ecosystem.
The cancellation, confirmed by a notice from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to contractors, has sparked resentment among all who saw the metro as a symbol of progress.
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Patnaik accused the “double-engine government” of betraying Odisha’s people, claiming the decision would set the city back by a decade. He pointed to the project’s watertight timeline and its alignment with modern urban planning trends, such as reducing congestion by 20-30% and boosting property values, as evidenced by global metro expansions like Delhi’s.
Patnaik’s post has reignited debates about Odisha’s development trajectory under new leadership.
As Bhubaneswar grapples with rising urban challenges, the scrapped metro project remains a contentious issue, with Patnaik’s statement serving as a rallying cry for his supporters and a challenge to the BJP’s vision for the state.
📰 Bhubaneswar Metro Contracts Cancelled Over Delays
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has scrapped construction contracts with Ceigall India Ltd and Ranjit Buildcon for the Bhubaneswar Metro Phase I, citing prolonged inactivity and coordination setbacks.
The terminated segment spans from Nandan Vihar to Trisulia Square. Ceigall is reportedly seeking compensation per contract provisions. Despite the setback, the Odisha government confirmed the metro project is being rebooted — not abandoned — with fresh tenders and a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) under preparation by an inter-ministerial task force.
A sub-committee chaired by Deputy CM KV Singh Deo recently reviewed future plans to enhance the capital’s urban mobility. Officials affirmed that metro rail remains pivotal to the state’s transit overhaul
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