Bhubaneswar Officials Advance Underground Metro to Ease Twin City Congestion
In a renewed push for urban mobility reform, Bhubaneswar officials have revived discussions around an ambitious underground metro rail project aimed at decongesting traffic in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. At a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, an inter-ministerial panel reviewed revised plans that prioritise sustainability, seamless multi-modal integration, and minimal impact on city aesthetics. The project, which has undergone multiple design changes, now leans towards an underground system, reflecting growing concerns over land availability, urban beautification, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The metro project marks a shift in Odisha’s urban transport vision, driven by the need for low-emission solutions and integrated planning. With the twin cities experiencing exponential vehicular growth, officials are looking beyond elevated corridors to adopt a transit model that accommodates rising commuter needs while preserving urban design. Discussions focused on strengthening inter-departmental coordination, integrating e-mobility, and revising the mobility blueprint to enhance last-mile connectivity. Experts are being consulted to develop a roadmap that balances engineering feasibility with public convenience and environmental stewardship. Officials revealed that earlier plans for an elevated corridor from Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan were shelved due to logistical constraints and the threat of urban sprawl. The decision to explore underground alternatives emerged from assessments indicating that overhead infrastructure would obstruct city beautification drives and compromise heritage aesthetics.
The proposed underground route is expected to reduce land acquisition challenges, improve air quality, and support sustainable growth in a rapidly expanding metropolitan area. Civic planners are also examining best practices from other metro systems in India to ensure operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. A sub-committee comprising various departmental heads has been formed to further refine project details. This body will prepare implementation strategies while aligning them with national mobility goals and state-specific development agendas. Coordination with national transport experts, metro rail consultants, and finance officials is expected to fast-track design approval and execution phases. With climate goals and smart urbanisation in focus, the metro proposal is also likely to receive special consideration for green infrastructure funding and public-private partnerships.
As urban India navigates the challenges of infrastructure modernisation, Bhubaneswar’s metro plan signals a timely commitment to equitable, low-carbon mobility solutions. With strong political backing and civic engagement, the city may soon witness a major shift towards cleaner, faster, and more inclusive public transportation. However, the path to execution will demand transparency, careful planning, and a shared vision across agencies to avoid the delays that have hampered similar projects nationwide.
