Bhubaneswar: Chairman 5T and Nabin Odisha V K Pandian on Sunday directed the officials to monitor the progress of Metro Rail Project work very closely, observing principles of 5T, to ensure timely completion of the project within the stipulated time of four years.
Reviewing the progress of the work with senior officials early this morning at the proposed location of the Metro Rail station terminal and depot at Trisulia Square, Pandian said Trisulia is going to emerge as a major transport hub to serve Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
The foundation stone for the Metro Rail Project connecting the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack is scheduled to be laid by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on January 1, 2024.
Phase I of the Metro Rail project will connect Bhubaneswar Airport with Trisulia Square via Chandrasekharpur. Jaydev Vihar, Vani Vihar, Master Canteen, and Rajmahal Square.
Pandian discussed and facilitated decisions for the timely commencement of the construction of the Metro Rail project.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the project on Odisha Dibas on April 1, 2023, for which the detailed project report has been approved by the government.
A master plan for extending the Metro Rail service to other areas of Bhubaneswar and to Khordha, Puri, and Cuttack towns is being developed through Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
Trisulia is going to emerge as a major traffic hub to serve Bhubaneswar and Cuttack cities, as well as emerge as gateway to the Twin city from Banki and Athagarh.
The Central Depot of the Metro Rail project will be located near Trisulia Square, where the Command & Control Center as well as the maintenance and stabling facilities for the Metro trains will be constructed.
A new bus stand is being constructed at Trisulia Square, which will be further expanded and integrated with Merto station.
Pandian expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by various departments and agencies and directed officials to complete the preparatory work in time ahead of the foundation stone for the project to be laid by the Chief Minister on January 1, 2024.
He instructed that the work must be monitored very closely, observing the principles of 5T to ensure timely completion of the project within the four-year schedule. He also asked officials to ensure that the project realizes the vision of the Chief Minister of a world-class urban transport system for the aspirational Odisha.
Pandian said the metro system should leverage the latest technologies and most advanced equipment to provide an efficient mobility solution to passengers.
He asked officials to ensure that other modes of transport are aligned with metro rail stoppages for the seamless movement of passengers. He also advised officials to ensure that the project planning is done in such a way that there is enough room for long-term future expansions.
Pandian made a surprise visit to the newly constructed Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal (CNBT) to get feedback from people and see the cleanliness of the state-of-the-art terminal. He interacted with passengers, vendors, service providers, bus operators, and other staff members and asked officials to further strengthen the integrated information management system, which will enhance the passenger experience and hassle-free movement of passengers.
The officials also visited the transformed Taldanda Canal. He advised that the visual aesthetics along the canal should be maintained so it continues to be a recreational hub for the people of Cuttack.
