BJD MP Calls for Revival of Bhubaneswar Metro Project Using Jaipur Funding Framework
The political controversy surrounding the shelving of the Bhubaneswar Metro rail project intensified on Thursday as BJD Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra formally appealed to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. In a detailed letter, Patra urged the state government to reconsider its decision and revive the ambitious urban transport initiative by adopting the successful funding model recently approved for Jaipur Metro Phase-II.
Proposed Funding Structure Based on Jaipur Precedent
Patra highlighted the Union Cabinet's April 8 approval of Jaipur Metro Phase-II, a 41-kilometer project estimated at over Rs 13,000 crore. This project will be implemented through a 50:50 Centre-state special purpose vehicle under the Metro Rail Policy of 2017. The BJD MP emphasized that this decision establishes a clear precedent for structured partnerships between central and state governments on metro rail projects.
"Under the same model, Odisha Metro would entail a central share of around Rs 3,100 crore and a similar contribution from the state, with the remaining funding through viability gap support or structured financing," Patra stated in his communication to the chief minister.
Comparative Project Analysis
Drawing direct comparisons between the two projects, Patra pointed out that the Odisha Metro project along the Puri-Khurda-Bhubaneswar-Cuttack corridor had an approved cost of Rs 6,255 crore in 2024. This represents less than half the scale of Jaipur Metro Phase-II, making it potentially more feasible under the same funding framework.
The Rajya Sabha member argued that if a project of Jaipur Metro's substantial scale has been deemed viable with Union government support, the Odisha Metro should logically qualify for similar policy alignment and financial backing.
Critical Infrastructure at Stake
Patra cautioned that discontinuing the metro project would significantly weaken a critical long-term mobility and economic backbone for the state of Odisha. His letter outlined numerous anticipated benefits of the proposed Metro corridor:
- Safer and faster travel options for commuters
- Improved access to education and employment opportunities for students and youth
- Enhanced mobility for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals
- Better connectivity to major tourism destinations including Puri
- Reduced congestion on city roads
- Support for small businesses along the corridor
- Catalyzed economic growth through improved infrastructure
Political Context and Government Response
The appeal comes just days after the state cabinet approved repurposing the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation following the government's decision to shelve the Metro plan. Officials cited funding constraints under a fully state-funded model as the primary reason for this move.
This decision has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties, with BJD leaders accusing the BJP-led state government of abandoning a crucial infrastructure project that would benefit millions of Odisha residents. The political war of words over the metro project's future has become increasingly heated, with both sides presenting contrasting visions for the state's transportation development.
Patra reiterated his appeal for the Odisha government to initiate fresh consultations with the central government to explore adopting the Jaipur funding framework. He emphasized that structured Centre-state partnerships represent the most viable path forward for implementing large-scale urban transportation projects in India.
The ongoing debate highlights the complex challenges of financing major infrastructure initiatives while balancing political priorities, fiscal constraints, and long-term development goals. As urban populations continue to grow across Indian cities, the question of sustainable funding models for mass transit systems remains critically important for policymakers at both state and national levels.
