Naveen Patnaik Criticizes Odisha Government's Metro Rail Project Cancellation
Patnaik's Concerns Over Metro Rail Project Cancellation
Bhubaneswar: On Saturday, Naveen Patnaik, the president of BJD, voiced his dismay regarding the Odisha government's recent decision to terminate the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project, which was initiated during his administration. He expressed that this action would set back the city’s urban mobility and development by a decade.
Patnaik's comments followed reports that the state had canceled the contract for the Metro rail project with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
In a social media post, Patnaik stated, "I am shocked to learn that the contracts for the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail have been canceled by the BJP-led Odisha Government. Our vision has always been to transform Bhubaneswar into a world-class city. We have been dedicated to enhancing sports infrastructure, hosting significant international events, ensuring modern transport systems, and fostering an IT ecosystem to elevate the temple city to global standards."
He emphasized that the Metro project would have significantly improved transportation in the state capital, complementing the existing Mo Bus services and enhancing last-mile connectivity. Patnaik noted that it would have alleviated traffic congestion and acted as a major driver for the city’s expansion.
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,… pic.twitter.com/MPfpwFs9hV
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 26, 2025
Patnaik mentioned that the previous administration had set a strict timeline for the Metro project’s Phase 1 completion by 2027, highlighting the urgent need for such a system to enhance mobility.
He pointed out that the recent notice from DMRC to contractors confirmed the cancellation of the Bhubaneswar Metro project by the Odisha government.
Patnaik criticized the current government, stating, "The double-engine government has let down the people of Odisha by scrapping a vital project like the Metro Rail. This shocking decision will regress the city by ten years."
In response, Odisha's Housing and Urban Development Minister, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, assured that the state government is actively working on a viable Metro project for the capital.
He explained that the previous BJD government did not seek central funding for the fully state-funded Rs 5,000 crore project that aimed to connect Biju Patnaik International Airport with Trisulia Square.
Mahapatra added that the BJP government intends to pursue the project as a joint venture with the Centre's assistance.
"We will develop the Metro train project differently from the previous administration's plan, which was deemed unfeasible. A new Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared and submitted to the Centre for approval," he concluded.