Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi has requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to send a proposal to the Central government for an integrated metro rail system in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
She said Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are two important cities of Odisha but they do to have Mass Rapid transit System.
She said as per the current estimate the combined population of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack is 22 lakh. But if one includes the areas which do not come within the Municipal Corporations of Bhubanewar and Cuttack then the estimated population would be close to 30 lakhs.
In a letter to Chief Minister, citing the 2017 Metro Rail Policy she said the cities having more than 20 lakh 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 lakh within 4 to 5 years. Further, the combined population of twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack is already exceeding 20 lakh,” she wrote.
“Therefore, in the fitness of things, an integrated Metro Rail system should be planned by the State Government. The project can be implemented in a phased manner, first starting with the city of Bhubaneswar, thereafter expanding to the city of Cuttack,” she added.
She said the implementation of the project can be done by 50:50 Joint Venture of Central Government and the Odisha Government..
“The development of Metro system will not only improve the mobility, but it will also enhance the commercial activities in both the twin cities,” Sarangi said.
She urged Chief Minister to look into the matter and directed the officials concerned to send a proposal to Union Ministry of Housing and Urabn Affairs for sanctioning central financial assistance for preparing feasibility study and Detailed Project Report for the project.
