Bhubaneswar BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi has written to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urging him to send a proposal to the Central Government regarding an integrated metro rail system for Bhubaneswar-Cuttack.

The parliamentarian has also discussed the Metro Rail Policy with the officials of Urban Affairs Ministry.

“The combined population of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack will be around 22 lakh. However, the habitations and commercial complexes between both the twin cities have expanded at a rapid pace. If one includes the areas which do not come within the Municipal Corporations of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the estimated population would be close to 30 lakh. I would like to mention that both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, though important cities of Odisha, do not have Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS),” Sarangi mentioned in the lette.

“As per Metro Rail Policy, 2017, the cities having more than 20 lakh population should plan for Metro Rail system. In this regard, I would like to mention that the population of Bhubaneswar is likely to exceed 20 lakh within 4 to 5 years. Further, as mentioned above, the current combined population of twin cities Bhubaneswar and Cuttack is already exceeding 20 lakh,” she stated.

“Therefore, in the fitness of things, an integrated Metro Rail system should be planned for both the cities by the State Government. The project can be implemented in a phased manner, first starting with the city of Bhubaneswar, thereafter expanding to the city of Cuttack. Metro system can be planned under 50:50 equity partnership of Central and State Government as per Metro Policy, 2017. The implementation of the project can be done by 50:50 Joint Venture of the Central Government and Government of Odisha,” Sarangi said.

“For going ahead with the Metro Rail System, a feasibility-cum-Detailed Project Report (DPR) needs to be prepared. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), under Urban Transport Planning and Capacity Building Scheme, provides financial assistance up to 50% for conducting feasibility studies and for preparing DPR for formulating such a proposal,” she wrote.

“I would request you to kindly look into the matter and direct the concerned officials to send a proposal to MoHUA for sanctioning Central financial assistance for feasibility study and Detailed Project Report. In anticipation of the State Government sending a detailed proposal to Gol, I am writing to Hon’ble Minister, MoHUA, for positive consideration of the proposal once it reaches the Ministry,” Sarangi concluded.