Bhubaneswar, April 10 (NationPress) On Friday, Member of Parliament Aparajita Sarangi addressed a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, fervently requesting the Odisha government to reassess its recent resolution to suspend the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project.

In her correspondence, Sarangi highlighted that Bhubaneswar is currently at a “critical juncture” owing to swift urban growth, escalating traffic issues, and the increasing need for sustainable mobility options.

“Bhubaneswar has experienced significant urban expansion and population rise lately, which is leading to growing traffic congestion, heightened strain on current public transport, and an urgent demand for sustainable urban mobility solutions. The city is almost at a tipping point. We require an advanced, efficient, and modern public transport network,” she articulated.

She contended that establishing a Metro Rail system is the most practical long-term solution to revamp public transport not just in Bhubaneswar but also in nearby areas such as Cuttack, Jatni, and Khurda.

“The Metro stands as the most feasible long-term solution that can revolutionize public transport in Bhubaneswar and its neighboring regions, including Cuttack, Jatni, and Khurda. This system will enhance transportation for senior citizens, women, children, students, working individuals, vendors, and differently-abled persons,” she added.

Sarangi further warned that discontinuing the Metro Rail Project would hinder job creation, economic growth, and planned urban advancement.

“Abandoning the Metro Rail Project means losing out on multiplier effects like job opportunities, economic upliftment, and urban development,” she stated, emphasizing that this initiative is not just about transport but about evolving Bhubaneswar into a modern, smart city.

She pointed out that the combined population of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Khurda justifies the necessity for a metro network. Moreover, she mentioned that metro connectivity could enhance tourism by facilitating access to key attractions such as Lingaraj Temple, Dhauli, and Nandankanan Zoological Park.

Additionally, she highlighted that the project aligns with Odisha’s aspiration to become an investment-friendly and forward-looking state. She noted that over Rs 274 crore has already been expended, and any postponement could inflate costs by two to four times in the future. She also pointed out that metro projects across India are subsidized and not designed for quick profitability.

She also highlighted that the country has already operationalized metro systems in 18 cities, with 16 under construction and 12 in planning stages, including several Tier-2 cities.

Sarangi concluded by offering to assist in coordinating with central departments to explore funding support from the Centre, urging the Chief Minister to reconsider the state Cabinet’s decision made on April 4.