BHUBANESHWAR (Metro Rail News): MP Aparajita Sarangi has written a letter to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik imploring him to submit a proposal to the Central government for an integrated metro rail system between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The parliamentarian has also spoken with Urban Affairs Ministry representatives about the Metro Rail Policy.
Therefore, the State Government should plan an integrated Metro Rail system for both cities to make fitness of things. The project can be carried out in stages, beginning in the city of Bhubaneswar and then moving on to the city of Cuttack. According to the 2017 Metro Policy, a 50:50 equity partnership between the Central and State Governments can be used to plan a metro system. The development of the Metro system will not only improve mobility but, it will also enhance the commercial activities in both the twin cities,” the MP said.
“The combined population of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack will be around 22 lakhs. However, the rapid expansion of habitations and commercial complexes between both the twin cities have expanded at a rapid pace and if one includes the areas which do not come within the Municipal Corporations of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, then the estimated population would be close to 30 lakhs. 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 letter to the CM.
“As per Metro Rail Policy, 2017, the cities having more than 20 lakhs 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 lakhs within 4 to 5 years. Further, as mentioned above, the current combined population of twin cities Bhubaneswar and Cuttack is already exceeding 20 lakhs,” she said in the letter.
“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.
