Bhubaneswar- In a significant push towards modernizing urban mobility, the first meeting of the inter-ministerial sub-committee on the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project was convened today at Lok Seva Bhawan under the chairmanship of Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
The high-level meeting brought together senior officials and key ministers to deliberate on the path ahead for the ambitious metro project, aimed at transforming the capital’s public transportation system. Discussions primarily revolved around streamlining departmental coordination, easing traffic congestion, and implementing a robust and integrated metro network.
The panel also reviewed the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for Bhubaneswar, focusing on long-term urban planning, smooth transition between rail and road infrastructure, and ensuring the project is aligned with the needs of the people.
Representatives from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), serving as the project’s technical advisor, were also present during the discussions. Their input was sought on practical implementation strategies and technical aspects of the project.
Alongside the Deputy CM, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and Industries Minister Sampada Chandra Swain voiced their opinions and suggestions during the session. Key bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department Saswat Mishra, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Usha Padhee, and Bhubaneswar Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Pravakar Patil, actively participated in the policy-level talks.
The inter-ministerial sub-committee was constituted following a directive from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to ensure timely and efficient execution of the metro project. With Singh Deo heading the panel, the state government is expected to take prompt and people-centric decisions to take the metro dream closer to reality.
The Bhubaneswar Metro Project, once executed, is expected to significantly ease the city’s traffic burden and offer a modern, fast, and sustainable mode of urban transport for its growing population.
