Bhubaneswar, Apr 10 (BNP): In a formal appeal to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, MP Aparajita Sarangi has urged the state government to reconsider the decision to halt the proposed Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project, stressing its importance for the city’s long-term urban development.
Highlighting the rapid pace of population growth and urbanisation in Bhubaneswar, Sarangi said the city’s existing transport system is already under severe strain, leading to increasing traffic congestion in the capital and nearby areas. She noted that a metro rail network would provide a safer, faster, and more reliable public transport option for all sections of society, including women, senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities.
She described the metro project as more than just a transport initiative, calling it a long-term investment in sustainable urban infrastructure and planned city growth.
On the economic front, the MP said the project could generate significant employment opportunities and attract fresh investments into the region. Improved connectivity to key cultural and religious landmarks such as the Lingaraj Temple, Dhauli, and ISKCON Temple Bhubaneswar, she added, could also give a strong boost to tourism and enhance the city’s profile as a modern urban centre.
Raising financial concerns, Sarangi pointed out that around ₹274 crore has already been spent on the project. She warned that stopping work at this stage could lead to a waste of public money and potentially increase costs if the project is restarted in the future.
She further emphasised that metro systems are long-term infrastructure assets that may not deliver immediate financial returns but provide substantial social and economic benefits over time.
Concluding her appeal, Sarangi urged the state government to consider public interest and long-term gains, and expressed willingness to work with the Centre to explore additional funding and support for the project.
The proposal to halt the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project has triggered fresh debate over urban mobility priorities and infrastructure planning in the state.
