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BJD MP Urges Odisha To Revive Bhubaneswar Metro Using Jaipur's Funding Model

BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging the revival of the Bhubaneswar Metro project. He proposes adopting the funding model of the recently approved Jaipur Metro Phase-2, which involves a 50:50 partnership between the Centre and State. Patra argues that this model would make the Odisha Metro, with a cost of Rs 6,255 crore, financially viable and aligned with central policy. This appeal comes after the state cabinet's recent decision to scrap the existing metro agreement with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

Key Points: Odisha Metro Revival Urged Following Jaipur Model by BJD MP

  • Revive Bhubaneswar Metro project
  • Adopt 50:50 Jaipur funding model
  • Central share approx Rs 3,100 crore
  • Enhance mobility and economic growth
3 min read

BJD MP Sasmit Patra urges Odisha govt to revive Bhubaneswar Metro Project following Jaipur model

BJD MP Sasmit Patra urges CM Mohan Majhi to revive Bhubaneswar Metro via a 50:50 Centre-State SPV, citing the approved Jaipur Metro Phase-2 precedent.

"If Jaipur Metro Phase-2... is viable, I am sure Odisha Metro... would find viability and policy alignment. - Sasmit Patra"

Bhubaneswar, April 9

Senior BJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra on Thursday wrote to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging him to revive the Bhubaneswar Metro project through a structured collaboration between the Union and the state government, on the lines of Jaipur Metro Phase-2 in Rajasthan.

In a letter to CM on Thursday, Patra mentioned that the Union Cabinet on April 8 approved the Jaipur Metro Phase-2 (41 km; 13,000+ crore) project under the Metro Rail Policy, 2017, through a 50:50 Centre-State SPV, supported by subordinate debt and external financing.

He said this approval sets a clear precedent that large metro projects are being implemented through a structured Centre-State partnership.

Patra further added that the Odisha Metro (Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Khurda-Puri), with an approved cost of Rs 6,255 crore in 2024, is less than half the scale of the Jaipur metro phase 2 project and was originally conceived as a 100% State-funded project.

He also stated that if the Odisha Metro project is implemented under the Jaipur model, the central and state governments would each bear a share of around Rs 3,100 crore, while the remaining cost would be covered through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) or structured financing.

"If Jaipur Metro Phase-2, of more than Rs 13,000 crore, supported by the Union Government, is viable, I am sure Odisha Metro (Puri-Khurda-Bhubaneswar-Cuttack), with half the cost of Jaipur Metro Phase-2, would find viability and policy alignment. As conveyed earlier in my letter to the Hon'ble Union Minister (April 6, 2026), discontinuing the project would undermine a critical mobility and economic backbone for the State," stated Patra.

He noted that the Odisha Metro along the Puri-Khurda-Bhubaneswar-Cuttack corridor would benefit people in Odisha with safer and faster travel, provide students and youth with better access to education and jobs, and offer senior citizens more comfortable transport, boost tourism improving connectivity to key destinations, support small businesses and drive economic development by reducing congestion and creating new opportunities.

"I again request the Odisha Government, through you, to reconsider the decision to scrap the Odisha Metro project and that Odisha adopt the Jaipur funding model in consultation with the Government of India," urged Patra.

Notably, the state cabinet led by Mohan Charan Majhi recently resolved to terminate the state government's agreement with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, thereby finally scrapping the Bhubaneswar Metro rail project. It also decided to transform Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation Limited into a nodal body for planning and implementing sustainable urban mobility initiatives in the state.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Scrapping the metro project was a short-sighted decision by the new government. Metro is not just a transport project, it's an economic catalyst. Look at how Delhi and Bangalore metros transformed those cities. Bhubaneswar is growing fast and needs this infrastructure yesterday. The funding model proposed seems very viable.
A
Aman W
While I support the metro in principle, I have a question. Has there been a fresh, independent study on the projected ridership and actual viability? Jaipur is a much larger city. We must ensure we are not building a white elephant that will drain state finances for decades. Due diligence is key.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels to Puri often, the traffic on that road is a nightmare. A metro connecting these key cities would be fantastic. It would make travel safer, faster, and more reliable. This is exactly the kind of long-term infrastructure planning Odisha needs to boost its economy.
K
Karthik V
Good to see constructive opposition. Instead of just criticizing, Patra is offering a concrete alternative funding model. This is how politics should work. The state govt should seriously consider this partnership. Half the cost is already a big relief for the state treasury.
M
Meera T
The benefits mentioned for students and senior citizens are so important. My father finds it very difficult to travel by bus now. A comfortable, accessible metro would be a blessing for so many families. Please revive this project! It's an investment in our people's quality of life. 💙

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