Latest news with #BhubaneswarMetro
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Contractor for 1st phase of city Metro terminated
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Metro rail project has encountered a setback with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRCL), its consultant, terminating the contractor for construction of the first phase. Gurgaon-based Ceigall India Limited was awarded the contract through a tender last year. In a stock exchange disclosure on Saturday, the engineering company, which received the letter of acceptance for part design and construction of the viaduct and six elevated stations in the first phase, said the termination letter was issued on Friday. The first phase of the project, covering six stations — Nandan Vihar, Raghunathpur, Nandankanan, Barang, Phulapokhari and Trisulia — was to be executed at a total cost of Rs 898.99 crore. "Employer has scrapped the project. We are approaching for damages/claims/compensation as per the remedies available under contract agreement and other legal recourse," the disclosure read. Earlier, Union minister of state for housing and urban affairs Tokhan Sahu had informed the Lok Sabha that the Centre had not received any proposal for Metro from the Odisha govt. Housing and urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the tender has been terminated but the project will continue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "We will seek the Centre's aid in the execution of the Metro rail project in Bhubaneswar," he said. Mahapatra further said that an inter-ministerial committee has been formed for the project and its first meeting has already been held. "We will discuss the revised plan and proceed with the project accordingly," he added. Social media was abuzz over the development with many criticising the way the project is being handled, while another section expressed hope that the govt will come up with a revised plan. "Yes, Metro rail is necessary for Bhubaneswar due to its rapid urban growth, rising traffic congestion and increasing population. The current transport system is not sufficient to handle future demand. A Metro system will provide a fast, reliable option," posted Satyaban Rout on X. Opposition BJD and Congress criticised the BJP govt after Saturday's development. Leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik wrote on X: "Shocked to know that Bhubaneswar Metro rail contracts have been cancelled by BJP-led Odisha govt. It has always been our dream to develop Bhubaneswar into a world-class city. We have been focusing on world class sports infrastructure, organising marquee international events, providing seamless modern transport and developing IT ecosystem to transform the temple city into a world class city. Bhubaneswar Metro rail project would have reshaped the way city moves..." Former state Congress president Niranjan Patnaik termed the development "disappointing".
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
No proposal for Bhubaneswar Metro to Centre: MoS
1 2 Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Metro rail project is notably absent from the list of metro rail proposals either received or sanctioned by the Centre, according to a reply by Union minister of state for housing and urban affairs, Tokhan Sahu, in the Lok Sabha on Friday. Over the past five years, the Centre received 17 proposals, including those submitted this year, but Bhubaneswar's project is not among them. In response to a query from Bharat Mathukumilli, Sahu informed the Lok Sabha that 24 metro projects are currently at various stages of implementation, in addition to the 17 approved by the Centre. Odisha's housing and urban development minister, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, explained that the previous BJD govt did not submit a proposal for Bhubaneswar Metro because it intended to undertake the project independently, without central assistance. However, the current BJP govt plans to seek the central aid and will submit a proposal in due course. Mahapatra emphasised that the govt is earnestly planning a viable Metro project for the state capital, clarifying that the absence of a proposal submission to the Centre does not indicate lack of seriousness. "We have reimagined the Metro train project differently from the past govt's plan, which was not feasible. We aim to execute it as a joint venture with the Centre's help," Mahapatra said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like IQ Worldwide - Test your Intelligence, know your IQ Score Try Now Undo The previous govt had announced a fully state-funded project worth more than Rs 5,000 crore, intended to connect Biju Patnaik International Airport with Trisulia Square. However, Mahapatra questioned the viability of such a route. "Why would people travel from the airport to Trisulia Square?" he asked. An inter-ministerial committee meeting on the new plan has already taken place, with a second review scheduled. "Once the committee meets and finalises, the next steps will be determined. It cannot proceed without the Centre's assistance," Mahapatra added.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
City Metro project moves forward with formation of sub-committee
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Metro rail project took a crucial step forward on Wednesday with the formation of a sub-committee on the direction of chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Deputy CM K V Singh Deo was appointed as its chairman. The decision was taken during an inter-ministerial committee meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan where further modalities for the project were discussed. Key discussions centred around its implementation, inter-departmental coordination and the development of an efficient public transport system in Bhubaneswar. The committee also addressed comprehensive mobility planning for decongesting traffic and rail-road transition strategies. High-level consultations were held with Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) officials, including its CEO Kalyan Patnaik, Vikas Kumar and Pramit Garg, to ensure the project's alignment with public interest and traffic management goals, a govt statement read. The project, initially announced by the previous govt on Utkal Divas (April 1) in 2023, has undergone significant modifications since its foundation stone was laid by former CM Naveen Patnaik on Jan 1, 2024, at Trisulia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Despite initial uncertainty after BJP formed the govt in 2024, the administration confirmed its commitment to continue the project, recognising its importance for the transportation infrastructure of Bhubaneswar as well as Cuttack. Notable changes include extending the original route from Bhubaneswar airport to Trisulia till Cuttack. Works minister Prithiviraj Harichandan had announced a major revision, shifting from an elevated corridor to an underground Metro, citing feasibility concerns. The revision was necessitated by the project's overlap with Jaydev Vihar-Nandankanan Road, where an elevated corridor was already planned. Subsequently, a tender was floated for an innovative three-tier transportation system along the crucial stretch. "While Metro rail might not be an immediate necessity, it's a forward-looking solution considering Bhubaneswar's expansion and population growth projections. The meeting could be pivotal in transforming the vision into reality," urban planner Dipu Nanda said. The govt said that all the modifications are aimed at enhancing Bhubaneswar's transportation infrastructure while ensuring optimal utilisation of resources and minimal disruption to existing traffic patterns. "I really hope the project doesn't stick to announcements and modifications only. People may face problems during its implementation like in other cities where Metro rail is present, but it will be for a greater good," Patia resident Satyabrata Mohanty said.
