'Double-Engine Govt Has Betrayed Odisha': Naveen Patnaik Slams BJP Govt For Scrapping Bhubaneswar Metro Project

Naveen Patnaik slams Odisha’s BJP govt for cancelling the Bhubaneswar metro project, calling it a betrayal that sets the city back by 10 years. BJP plans a new Centre-backed plan.

Naveen Patnaik Slams BJP Over Bhubaneswar Metro Cancellation.

Source : PTI

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led state government over its decision to cancel the Bhubaneswar metro rail project—an ambitious initiative unveiled during his tenure. Calling the move a “betrayal” of the people, Patnaik said it would drag the city a decade behind in terms of development.

BJD Chief Criticizes Decision on Social Media

Taking to social media, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo didn’t mince words as he accused the new government of sabotaging progress. In a strongly worded post, he criticized the Mohan Charan Manjhi administration for pulling the plug on the metro project’s contract with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

"Shocked to know that Bhubaneswar Metro Rail contracts have been cancelled by the BJP-led #Odisha government," Patnaik posted on X (formerly Twitter). "It has always been our dream to develop #Bhubaneswar into a world-class city."

Shocked to know that Bhubaneswar Metro Rail contracts have been cancelled by BJP led #Odisha Govt.

It has always been our dream to develop #Bhubaneswar into a world-class city. We have been focusing on world class sports infrastructure, organising marquee international events,… pic.twitter.com/MPfpwFs9hV

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 26, 2025

The Vision Of World-Class Bhubaneswar

Highlighting the state’s push under his leadership to transform the capital into a modern, vibrant hub, Patnaik pointed to investments in sports infrastructure, international events, advanced public transport, and a thriving IT ecosystem. The metro, he argued, was meant to be a cornerstone of that transformation.

Metro Seen as Key to Urban Growth and Connectivity

According to Patnaik, the metro network would have dramatically reshaped urban mobility by integrating with existing services like MoBus and other last-mile connectivity systems. He said the project not only aimed to ease congestion but also to stimulate urban expansion and future-proof the city’s infrastructure.

“The double-engine government has betrayed the people of Odisha by cancelling an important project like Metro Rail,” he wrote. “The shocking decision will push the city 10 years back.”

₹5,000-Crore State-Funded Project Was Set for 2027 Completion

The initial phase of the metro was slated for completion by 2027 under a timeline set during the BJD regime. The project, fully funded by the state at an estimated cost of ₹5,000 crore, was designed to link Biju Patnaik International Airport with Trisulia Square—an arterial route meant to serve as the backbone of Bhubaneswar’s urban mobility.

BJP Govt Defends Cancellation, Proposes Revised Plan

However, the BJP government, now at the helm, has offered a different vision. Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra defended the cancellation, stating that the previous plan lacked feasibility and did not involve the Centre. “We are planning a more viable metro project in collaboration with the Central government,” he said.

Mahapatra explained that a new Detailed Project Report (DPR) would soon be prepared and submitted for central approval. He emphasized the need for a joint venture approach to ensure both financial viability and long-term sustainability.

“The earlier plan was a fully state-funded one, which wasn’t practical. We will pursue a better alternative,” Mahapatra added.