Kalyan Yadav SPKAY at 13:31, 7 May 2026

2026-05-07T13:31:58Z

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{{Short description|Suspended rapid transit system in Odisha, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2026}}
{{Infobox public transit
| name = Bhubaneswar Metro
| image =
| imagesize =
| locale = [[Bhubaneswar–Cuttack metropolitan area]], [[Odisha]]
| transit_type = [[Rapid transit]]
| status = On hold / Suspended (since April 2026)
| system_length = {{convert|26.024|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| lines = 1 (Planned, suspended)
| stations = 20 (Planned)
| key_people = Kalyan Pattnaik ([[IRSEE]]) (CEO)<br />Krushna Chandra Mahapatra (Minister, H&UD)
| headquarters = Unnati Bhawan, Satya Nagar, Bhubaneswar
| website = {{URL|https://www.bhubaneswarmetro.in/}}
| began_operation =
| operator = Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL)
| owner = [[Government of Odisha]]
| vehicles = 3-coach train sets (Planned)
| train_length = 60 metres (approx.)
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
| el = {{25 kV 50 Hz}} [[overhead line|overhead catenary]]
| average_speed = {{convert|35|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} (Projected)
| top_speed = {{convert|80|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} (Projected)
| map =
| line_number = {{plainlist|
* {{rcb|Delhi Metro|Blue|croute}} '''Line 1''' (Airport – Trisulia)
}}
}}

The '''Bhubaneswar Metro''' is a suspended [[rapid transit]] system intended to serve the twin cities of [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Cuttack]] in the Indian state of [[Odisha]]. Initially conceptualized to mitigate urban congestion within the [[National Capital Region (India)|Bhubaneswar–Cuttack metropolitan area]], the project entered the active implementation stage in 2024 before being placed on hold by the state government in April 2026.

The first phase was designed as an entirely elevated corridor spanning {{convert|26|km|mi}} from [[Biju Patnaik International Airport]] to Trisulia Square. Following a 2026 administrative review, the project was suspended in favor of an integrated regional mobility framework known as the '''Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Corridor'''.

== History ==

=== Background and Early Proposals (2010–2017) ===
The proposal for a mass rapid transit system (MRTS) for the twin cities was first officially explored in July 2010, when the state transport department engaged the [[Delhi Metro Rail Corporation]] (DMRC) for a preliminary feasibility study.<ref name=OnAnvil>{{cite news|title=Metro track for twin cities on anvil|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100728/jsp/orissa/story_12739502.jsp|work=[[The Telegraph (India)]]|date=28 July 2010}}</ref> In 2013, [[E. Sreedharan]], then principal advisor to DMRC, suggested that Bhubaneswar lacked the population density (threshold of 2 million) required for a viable metro system, recommending a [[Bus rapid transit|bus rapid transit system]] (BRTS) instead.<ref name=NotReady>{{cite news|title=Bhubaneswar not yet ready for metro rail: Sreedharan|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/bhubaneswar-not-yet-ready-for-metro-rail-sreedharan-113010800046_1.html|work=[[Business Standard]]|date=8 January 2013}}</ref>

=== Approval and Phase 1 Implementation (2023–2025) ===
The project was formally approved on 1 April 2023 (Utkala Dibasa). The DMRC was subsequently appointed as the consultant for Phase 1, with a budget of ₹6,255 crore entirely funded by the [[Government of Odisha]]. The foundation stone was laid near Trisulia in early 2024. By late 2025, civil works including boundary wall construction for the Trisulia depot and geotechnical surveys had commenced, with an expenditure of approximately ₹273.51 crore.

=== 2026 Suspension and Policy Shift ===
On 7 April 2026, the newly inaugurated state cabinet announced the suspension of the current Phase 1 alignment and the termination of the consultancy agreement with the DMRC. The government cited concerns regarding financial sustainability, projected operational losses, and the need to align with the revised **National Metro Rail Policy of 2026**.

The Housing and Urban Development Department stated that the standalone metro would be replaced by a broader regional transit framework connecting [[Puri]] and [[Paradip]], potentially utilizing [[Regional Rapid Transit System (India)|RRTS]] technology or an upgraded Metro Neo system to ensure better cost-to-ridership ratios.

== Network ==

=== Phase 1 (Under Review) ===
The original Phase 1 network consisted of a single elevated corridor designated as **Line 1**.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center;"
! No. !! Line !! Stations !! Length (km) !! colspan="2" | Terminals !! Status
|-
! 1
| style="background:#{{rcr|Delhi Metro|Blue}}; color:white;" | '''Line 1''' || 20 || 26.024 || [[Biju Patnaik International Airport]] || Trisulia Square (Cuttack) || Suspended
|}

Planned stations included major commercial and institutional nodes such as [[Capital Hospital]], [[Bhubaneswar Railway Station]], [[Vani Vihar]], Jaydev Vihar, and KIIT Square.

=== Future Expansion (Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip) ===
Following the 2026 policy shift, a regional network is being planned to replace the standalone urban metro.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:85%; margin:auto;"
! colspan="8" style="background:#ADD8E6;" | Proposed Regional Economic Corridor (2026 Framework)
|-
! No. !! Route !! Stations !! Length (km) !! Mode !! Status
|-
! 1
| Bhubaneswar – Cuttack (Trisulia) || 20 || 26 || RRTS / Metro Neo || Under Review
|-
! 2
| Bhubaneswar – [[Puri]] || 8 || 62 || High-speed Rail || Proposed
|-
! 3
| Bhubaneswar – [[Khurda Road Junction railway station|Khurda Road]] || 6 || 28 || Rapid Transit || Proposed
|-
! 4
| Cuttack – [[Paradip]] || 12 || 85 || Regional Rail || Planned
|}

== Infrastructure ==

=== Rolling Stock ===
The initial DPR proposed 3-coach stainless steel train sets with a carrying capacity of approximately 900 passengers. Following the suspension, the government is exploring lighter rolling stock (Metro Neo) to reduce capital expenditure by an estimated 40%.

=== Depots ===
A major depot was under construction at Trisulia, covering 20 hectares. Construction was halted in April 2026. The site is currently being maintained by BMRCL pending a final decision on its conversion into a multi-modal regional transport hub.

== Construction Incidents ==
During the preliminary piling works in late 2025 near Patia Square, a minor soil subsidence incident occurred, leading to the temporary closure of one flank of the Nandankanan Road. No injuries were reported, but the incident led to a safety audit of the geotechnical data provided in the 2023 DPR.

== See also ==
* [[Urban rail transit in India]]
* [[List of rapid transit systems in India]]
* [[Capital Region Urban Transport]]
* [[Bhubaneswar–Cuttack metropolitan area]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.bhubaneswarmetro.in/ Official Website of BMRCL]

== History ==
=== Early proposals and feasibility studies (2010–2017) ===
The proposal for a rapid transit system to connect the twin cities of [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Cuttack]] was first initiated on 27 July 2010, when the state transport department engaged the [[Delhi Metro Rail Corporation]] (DMRC) to conduct a preliminary survey.<ref name=OnAnvil>{{cite news|title=Metro track for twin cities on anvil|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100728/jsp/orissa/story_12739502.jsp|url-status=dead|access-date=18 February 2015|work=[[The Telegraph (India)]]|date=28 July 2010}}</ref> However, on 8 January 2013, [[E. Sreedharan]], then principal advisor to the DMRC, advised against a metro system for Bhubaneswar, noting that the city's population had not yet reached the 2 million threshold typically required for such projects. He instead recommended investment in a [[Bus rapid transit|bus rapid transit system]] (BRTS) or a high-speed [[tram]]way.<ref name=NotReady>{{cite news|title=Bhubaneswar not yet ready for metro rail: Sreedharan|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/bhubaneswar-not-yet-ready-for-metro-rail-sreedharan-113010800046_1.html|access-date=18 February 2015|work=[[Business Standard]]|date=8 January 2013}}</ref> Despite these reservations, local advocacy groups, including the Cuttack Banchao Committee led by [[Subhash Chandra Singh]], petitioned the state to reconsider, citing long-term population growth and the region's emerging status as a hub for health, sports, and technology.
Alternative transit models were briefly considered; in January 2013, Engineering Projects India Ltd. proposed a [[monorail]] project.<ref name=OdishaPlans>{{cite news|title=Odisha plans Monorail transit system for Cuttack and Bhubaneswar|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-01-09/news/36237712_1_monorail-transit-system-odisha-government-epi|url-status=dead|access-date=18 February 2015|work=[[The Economic Times]]|date=9 January 2013}}</ref> On 23 August 2014, the state government signed a ₹2.52 crore contract with Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd. (BARSYL) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 30 km [[rapid transit|mass rapid transit system]] (MRTS).<ref name=MRTSTravel>{{cite news|title=MRTS travel in state likely in five years|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/mrts-travel-in-state-likely-in-five-years-114082400834_1.html|access-date=18 February 2015|work=[[Business Standard]]|date=24 August 2014}}</ref> However, by February 2017, the state government maintained that a metro system was not immediately feasible and prioritized a bus-based urban transport network.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bhubaneswar Pitches For Bus Based Urban Transport System|url=http://bwsmartcities.businessworld.in/article/Bhubaneswar-Pitches-For-Bus-Based-Urban-Transport-System/21-02-2017-113235/|website=BW SC|access-date=17 March 2017}}</ref>
=== Project approval and implementation (2018–2024) ===
The project regained political momentum in January 2018 when the [[Chief Minister of Odisha]] formally demanded federal support for metro connectivity between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.<ref>{{cite web|url =https://kalingatv.com/state/odisha-cm-demands-metro-rail-lines-cuttack-bhubaneswar/.htm |title = Odisha CM demands Metro rail lines for Cuttack-Bhubaneswar| publisher = Kalingatv.com, 17 January 2018}}</ref> This was followed by a 2019 declaration by the Governor of Odisha affirming the state's intent to connect the "Silver City" (Cuttack) with the "Smart City" (Bhubaneswar) via a metro link.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://odishatv.in/odisha/bhubaneswar-cuttack-to-get-metro-rail-connectivity-odisha-guv-381486.htm |title=Bhubaneswar-Cuttack to get Metro rail connectivity |publisher=[[Odisha TV]] |access-date=2019-06-19 }}</ref>
On 1 April 2023, the state government officially approved a metro service encompassing Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khordha, and Puri. The project was designated as entirely state-funded.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bhubaneswar/naveen-patnaik-utkala-dibasa-gift-to-odisha-metro-project-bhubaneswar-8532252/|title=Odisha CM announces metro project for capital on statehood day| publisher = [[The New Indian Express]]|date= 1 April 2023}}</ref> In August 2023, the DMRC was re-engaged to prepare a comprehensive DPR, including traffic surveys, topographic studies, and environmental impact assessments. The resulting report was subsequently submitted to the Chief Secretary. The foundation stone for Phase 1 was laid in early 2024, focusing on a route connecting major healthcare and educational institutions with the city’s central railway station.
=== 2026 suspension and policy shift ===
By the end of 2025, approximately ₹273.51 crore had been expended on initial groundwork and the development of a depot at Trisulia. However, on 7 April 2026, the newly inaugurated state government announced the termination of the Phase 1 plan. The Housing and Urban Development Minister stated that the project would undergo a "futuristic makeover" to align with the revised 2026 National Metro Rail Policy. The suspension was attributed to a shift toward an integrated regional transport framework, focusing on the broader Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Corridor rather than a standalone metro line. While Phase 1 as originally envisioned was halted, the government maintained that the project remains part of long-term urban planning under a revised mobility scheme.

==Route network==
=== Phase 1 ===
In Phase 1, 20 metro stations may or may not be built on the Line 1 from [[Trisulia]] to [[Biju Patnaik Airport]], including [[Capital Hospital]], Sishu Bhawan, Bapuji Nagar, [[Bhubaneswar Railway Station]], Ram Mandir Square, [[Vani Vihar]], Acharya Vihar Square, Jaydev Vihar Square, Xavier Square, Rail Sadan, District Centre, Damana Square, Patia Square, KIIT Square, Nandan Vihar, [[Raghunathpur railway station|Raghunathpur]], [[Nandankanan Zoological Park]], Barang Station and Phulapokhari.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/dmrc-prepares-dpr-for-bhubaneswar-metro-rail-project-submits-to-odisha-government20230816232002/| title=DMRC prepares DPR for Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project, submits to Odisha government|website=[[Asian News International]]|language=en-US|access-date=17 August 2023}}</ref> which would be further extended to [[Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal]] in future expansion.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:85%;margin:auto;text-align:center;"
! colspan="7" style="background:#ADD8E6;" |Phase 1 Network
|-
!|No.
!|Line Name
!Stations
!Length<br />(km)
!scope="col" colspan="2" class="unsortable" |Terminals
!Opening Date
|-
| text-align:center;" |1
| text-align:center;" |'''Line 1'''
| text-align:center;" |20
| text-align:center;" |{{convert|26.024|km|mi|abbr=on|adj=on}}
|[[Trisulia]] ([[Cuttack]])
|[[Biju Patnaik Airport]] ([[Bhubaneswar]])
| text-align:center;" |TBD
|}

==Timeline==
* '''April 2023''': Metro project announced for Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khordha, and Puri. First metro trunk route proposed, connecting Trisulia near Cuttack to [[Biju Patnaik International Airport]] in Bhubaneswar.<ref name=MetroT1>{{cite news|title=Odisha CM announces first metro trunk route for State|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-cm-announces-first-metro-trunk-route-for-state/article66688050.ece|access-date=1 April 2023|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=1 April 2023}}</ref><ref name=MetroT2>{{cite news|title=Odisha CM announces metro rail project connecting Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Khurda|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/odisha-cm-announces-metro-rail-project-connecting-cuttack-bhubaneswar-puri-khurda/articleshow/99171628.cms|access-date=1 April 2023|work=[[The Economic Times]]|date=1 April 2023}}</ref>
* '''May 2023''': DPR at last stage of preparation. Government announces that metro construction will start by December 2023.
* '''July 2023''': BMRCL in cooperation with DMRC said the soil testing for Bhubaneswar metro would be commenced soon. In the first phase, soil testing will take place between Trisulia and Nandankanan and then the testing will be done till Airport. Soil will be tested every 1 km and digging of 30 m pits maybe required to check the natural and bedrock of soil.
*''' August 2023''': Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was engaged with the responsibility of preparing the DPR. After conducting traffic survey, geo-technical investigation, topo-graphic survey, environmental & social impact assessments, DMRC completed the DPR preparation and submitted to Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena. A total of 20 stations on a route of 26 kilometers will be constructed, i.e. Biju Patnaik Airport, Capital Hospital, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Ram Mandir Square, Vani Vihar, Acharya Vihar, Jaydev Vihar Square, Xavier Square, Rail Sadan, District Centre, Damana Square, Patia Square, KIIT Square, Nandan Vihar, Raghunathpur, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Barang Station, Phulapokhari and Trisulia Square in [[Cuttack]].
* '''October 2023''': Odisha Chief Minister has approved DPR of the metro project.
*'''January 2024''': Chief minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, inaugurated foundation stone of the project on new year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-cm-naveen-patnaik-lays-foundation-stone-of-6225-crore-bhubaneswar-metro-project/article67695109.ece| title=Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik lays foundation stone of ₹6,225 crore Bhubaneswar Metro project|website=[[The Hindu]]|language=en-US|access-date=2 February 2024}}</ref>
*'''March 2024''': Delhi Metro Rail Corporation floated tenders for all 19 elevated metro stations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bhubaneswar/2024/Mar/14/dmrc-floats-tenders-for-19-elevated-metro-stations-in-bhubaneswar| title=DMRC floats tenders for 19 elevated metro stations in Bhubaneswar
|website=[[The New Indian Express]]|language=en-US|access-date=14 March 2024}}</ref>
*'''March 2025''': Odisha State Housing and Urban Development Minister announces Metro Rail project extension upto Cuttack city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2025/Mar/19/cuttack-city-to-be-included-in-metro-rail-project-minister-krushna-chandra-mahapatra| title=Cuttack city to be included in metro rail project: Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra|website=[[The New Indian Express]]|language=en-US|access-date=19 March 2025}}</ref>
*'''July 2025''': Odisha's [[Bharatiya Janata Party – Odisha|BJP]] Government scrapped the tender with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation due to viability concerns.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/urban-transportation/odisha-government-cancels-bhubaneswar-metro-tender-sparks-controversy-over-urban-mobility-plans/122947287|title=Odisha govt scraps Bhubaneswar Metro tender, cites viability concerns|website=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=28 July 2025}}</ref>
*'''April 2026''': On 5 April, the Odisha Government scrapped the Metro project citing feasibility challenges from non-compliance with the 2017 National Metro Rail Policy with respect to below-threshold traffic demand and low ridership projections.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bhubaneswar/2026/Apr/06/metro-project-scrapped-bmrc-to-get-new-avatar|title=Metro project scrapped; BMRC to get new avatar|website=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref> Although a week later on 10 April, the Odisha State Housing and Urban Development Minister said the Government has put the project on hold indefinitely until the formulation of a comprehensive mobility plan for the capital region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bhubaneswar/2026/Apr/11/bhubaneswar-metro-rail-not-scrapped-put-on-hold-says-hud-minister|title=Bhubaneswar metro rail not scrapped, put on hold, says H&UD minister|website=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Urban rail transit in India]]
* [[Mo Bus]]
* [[Bhubaneswar]]
* [[Cuttack]]
* [[Khordha]]
* [[Puri]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Rapid transit in India}}
{{Rapid transit in Asia}}

{{coord |20.378645|85.799424|display=title}}

[[Category:Proposed rapid transit in India]]
[[Category:Transport in Bhubaneswar]]
[[Category:Transport in Cuttack]]
[[Category:Standard-gauge railways in India]]

Bhubaneswar Metro - Revision history

Kalyan Yadav SPKAY at 13:31, 7 May 2026