Bhubaneswar Metro Project Hits Major Delay After Contracts End

Post by : Ramanpreet Kaur

The dream of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack getting their first metro rail system has hit a big hurdle. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which is managing the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project, has cancelled contracts with two key construction companies – Ceigall India Limited and Ranjit Buildcon. This was done because of long delays in starting work.

This decision now puts a big question mark on the future of the metro project, even though the Odisha government says it is still committed to completing the metro plan with new changes and help from the Central Government.

What Was the Bhubaneswar Metro Project?

The Bhubaneswar Metro project was a major urban transport plan. It was designed to connect Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, and later extend to Khordha and Puri. In the first phase, the plan was to build a 26 km elevated metro route from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Trisulia Square near Cuttack. This would include 20 metro stations and was expected to be completed in 48 months.

Timeline of Key Events

• 2010: DMRC did the first study but said metro service was not needed due to low population.
• 2018: Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik asked for a metro link between Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khordha, and Puri.
• April 2023: Project officially announced with first route from Trisulia to Airport.
• August 2023: DMRC prepared and submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
• October 2023: DPR was approved by the Odisha government.
• January 1, 2024: Foundation stone laid at Ratagada near Trisulia.
• March 2024: Tenders invited for construction of 19 stations.
• August 2024: Ceigall India and Ranjit Buildcon selected for different sections of the route.
• July 25, 2025: DMRC officially cancelled both companies’ contracts due to lack of progress.

Why Were the Contracts Cancelled?

Sources say no real construction work has happened in the last eight months. There were many issues between the contractors and DMRC – including planning problems, financial delays, and coordination issues. The companies failed to meet timelines, and that’s why their contracts were cancelled. Ceigall India says it may take legal action for losing the contract.

Confusion Over Central Government Role

The situation became more confusing when Union Minister Tokhan Sahu recently said in the Lok Sabha that the Central Government has not received any official proposal for a metro rail in Bhubaneswar. This goes against earlier statements made by the Odisha government, which had claimed progress on the project.

What is the Odisha Government Planning Now?

The new BJP-led Odisha government says it is still serious about completing the metro rail project. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that a special team, led by Deputy CM KV Singh Deo, is working on a new plan. They want to improve the old plan and ask for help from the Central Government.

The new plan may include changes in the metro route. The connection between the airport and Trisulia may be changed. There is also a possibility that the new plan will explore underground metro routes to keep the beauty of the city intact.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra also confirmed that no official proposal has been sent to the Centre yet. But he added that a proper plan will be prepared soon and sent to the Centre for approval.

What’s Next?

For now, the metro project is paused. The termination of contractor agreements is a big setback. But the state government says it will fix the plan, work with the Centre, and bring the metro dream back on track. However, without proper planning and timely approvals, the project may face more delays.

People of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, who were hoping for a fast and modern transport system, will now have to wait longer to see their metro dream come true.

The Bhubaneswar Metro is a much-needed transport project that can change how people travel in Odisha’s twin cities. But mismanagement, slow progress, and lack of coordination have created serious problems. With new leadership and revised plans, the state hopes to fix things soon. But until then, the future of the metro remains uncertain.

Bhubaneswar Metro