Introduction
Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is known for its rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure. Bhubaneswar is emerging as a hub for IT, education, and healthcare. The economy of the city is majorly driven by the tertiary sector, which involves trade, commerce, and tourism. The city is also emerging as a tech hub due to the establishment of “Infocity” which resulted in attracting several IT companies.
Currently, Bhubaneswar is witnessing a growth rate of 2.8% with a population of approximately 1,321,000. The city is projected to have a population of 1,649,410 in the next 10 years. However, this growing population resulted in numerous challenges like traffic congestion on the roads of Bhubaneswar. To conquer these challenges and address the demands of the growing urbanisation the city acknowledged the need for a metro system, a more reliable and efficient mode of public transportation. To address this need, the Bhubaneswar Metro Project was developed to upgrade the transport infrastructure in the city while efficiently catering for the increasing population.
Bhubaneswar Metro: From Idea to Implementation
27 July 2010: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was appealed by The Odisha State Transport Department to conduct a survey regarding the possibility of a metro rail between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
8 January 2013: E. Sreedharan, Principal Advisor of DMRC, stated that establishing a metro rail is not feasible for Bhubaneswar as the city’s population is below 2 million.
9 January 2013: Engineering Projects India Ltd. proposed to the state government to establish a monorail system from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack.
23 August 2014: The Odisha state government inked a contract with Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd. (BARSYL) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) spanning 30 km between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. BARSYL was allotted ₹2.52 crore and a 10-month deadline for the preparation of DPR.
June 2019: The Governor of Odisha stated that the government would investigate the possibility of connecting Cuttack and Bhubaneswar through a metro system.
April 2023: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik approved the idea of a metro train between Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khordha, and Puri.
August 2023: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was appointed to prepare the DPR for the metro project.
October 2023: The DPR of the project received approval from Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik with a total project cost of ₹ 6255.94 Crore.
November 2023: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was appointed as the consultant for the Bhubaneswar Metro project.
1 January 2024: The former CM of Odisha, Mr Naveen Patnaik, laid the foundation stone for the Bhubaneswar Metro project.
Financing Mechanism
- The estimated cost of the Bhubaneswar Metro Project is ₹ 6255.94 Crore.
- The entire project will be funded by the Odisha Government.
Key Specification of Bhubaneswar Metro
| Rolling Stock Composition | 3 Coach Train Set |
|---|---|
| Carrying Capacity of Each Train Set: | 764 Persons |
| Speed and Track: | Maximum speed: 80 Km/h Average speed: 34 Km/h Track Gauge: Standard Gauge Track measuring 1435 mm |
| Electrification: | 750V DC Third Rail |
| Signalling: | Continuous Automatic Train Control System (CATC) |
| Estimated Cost: | ₹ 6255.94 Crore. |
| Deadline | 48 Months |
Bhubaneswar Metro Project Timeline
| 1 April 2023 | The project was officially announced by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. |
|---|---|
| 26 April 2023 | DMRC was officially appointed to prepare the DPR for the project |
| July 2023: | DMRC initiated soil testing for Bhubaneswar Metro. |
| 16 August 2023: | DMRC submitted the complete DPR to the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation ( BMRCL). |
| 1 January 2024 | The foundation stone for Phase 1 of the Bhubaneswar Metro was laid at Trisulia Square. |
Contractor’s list:
| Contractor name | Contract detail |
| General Consultant | Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) |
| SYSTRA MVA Consulting (India) | Package BCDD-01: Detail Design Consultant (DDC) for Standardisation of U-Girder, precast post-tensioned pier caps and bearings along with design and drawings. |
| Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats (ICT) | Package BCDD-02: Detail Design Consultant (DDC) for Architectural and Building Services including E&M, Traction works and Civil works for Depot and OCC building including proof checking of substructure for the viaduct, special span including its superstructure and stations. |
| MIA Construction Pvt. Ltd. | Package BBC-02: Construction of Phulapokhari Depot’s Cum Workshop, OCC Buildings including Plumbing, Drainage, External Development Works ETC. |
| Ranjit Buildcon Ltd. | Package BBC-03: Design and construction of an elevated viaduct and 6 stations from Capital Hospital to Acharya Vihar Square. |
| Ranjit Buildcon Ltd. | Package BBC-04: Design and construction of the elevated viaduct and 7 stations from Acharya Vihar Square to KIIT Square. |
| Ceigall India Ltd. (CIL) ( Subcontracted to IL&FS ) | Package BBC-05: Design and construction of the Elevated Viaduct and 6 Station from KIIT Square to Trisulia Square, excluding architectural finishing work. |
| 3 Bidders submitted bids rolling stock contractTitagarh Rail Systems AlstomBEML | Package BRS1:Design, manufacture, supply, testing, commissioning and training of 39 no. standard gauge cars 13 Trainsets. |
Route Information
Phase 1
Line 1 : Biju Patnaik International Airport- Trisulia
Length: 26.024 km
Depot: Phulapokhari Depot
Total Stations: 20
Stations: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Capital Hospital, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Ram Mandir Square, Vani Vihar, Acharya Vihar, Jaydev Vihar, Xavier Square, Rail Sadan, District Centre, Damana Square, Patia Square, KIIT Square, Nandan Vihar, Raghunathpur, Nandan Kanan Zoological Park, Barang, Phulapokhari and Trisulia Square
Recent Updates on the Project:
Land Acquisition Progress
For the Phase I implementation of the Bhubaneswar Metro project, approximately 92.5 acres of land, including 34 acres of private land, will be acquired. According to Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, around 77 acres have already been secured, with efforts underway to acquire the remaining 15 acres.
Financial Progress
- BMRC officials reported that approximately ₹460 crore has been spent on the Bhubaneswar Metro project so far.
- This includes ₹250 crore released in October 2024.
- An additional ₹350 crore is expected to be released by the state government by March 2025.
Construction Activities
- Work on the metro depot and casting yard has begun at Ratagada and Malipada, located on the city outskirts.
Soil Testing Progress
- Soil testing is underway, with 10% of the process already completed.
Advantages of Bhubaneswar Metro
1. Reduced Traffic Congestion: Bhubaneswar has been witnessing a major increase in population rate due to the growing urbanization. The current metro area population of Bhubaneswar in 2025 is 1,321,000, a 2.48% increase from 2024. Projections indicate that by 2035, the population is expected to reach approximately 1,649,410. The construction of a metro system will minimize the traffic congestion on the roads of the city by offering a more efficient and reliable mode of public transport to the residents, and also reducing the reliance on private vehicles.
2. Enhanced Connectivity: The city has been becoming a major centre for both education and economic activities. A well-established metro system will enhance the connectivity in the city by linking the key destinations with residential areas. Through enhanced connectivity, the residents of the city will be able to commute to prominent places of the city like educational and economic centres more conveniently and smoothly.
3. Economic growth: The introduction of the metro system in the city will create more employment opportunities in the city which will contribute to enhancing the economic growth of the city. Furthermore, The construction of metro stations will also attract more business setups in the city which will alleviate the local economics of the city.
Challenges in Bhubaneswar Metro
1. Ridership Concerns: The sustainability of the Bhubaneswar metro will also depend on the ridership level. However, many metro systems in India are failing to meet their ridership projection which raises a concern about the long-term sustainability of the metro project. To make the Bhubaneswar metro project successful it is very crucial to achieve the projected ridership.
2. Financial constraints: The estimated cost of the Bhubaneswar Metro Project is ₹6255.94 Crore. While the Odisha Government has pledged to fully finance the project, ensuring financial sustainability throughout its execution remains a key challenge. Effective budget management is crucial for the efficient implementation of a project.
4. Integration with other modes of transport: One of the crucial elements is integrating the Bhubaneswar metro system with the existing transportation options like buses and railways for the maximum use of transport infrastructure. This enhanced connectivity will contribute to the smooth transition of commuters to different modes of transport making the journey more convenient for them. In addition to this ensuring last-mile connectivity will be necessary so more commuters can opt for the metro system.
Conclusion:
The Bhubaneswar metro project is an initiative taken by the Odisha government in order to meet the city’s increasing urbanization and transportation demands. With an emphasis on improving connectivity, lowering traffic, and boosting economic expansion, the project is expected to transform the infrastructure of Bhubaneswar. However, issues including fare affordability, site acquisition, ridership concerns, and financial sustainability must be carefully managed.
Overcoming these obstacles while guaranteeing effective integration with other forms of transportation will be essential to the Bhubaneswar metro’s success. The Bhubaneswar Metro could improve the city’s transit system and citizens’ quality of life if it is well implemented.
