Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, on Saturday, expressed shock and disappointment regarding the current BJP-led state government’s decision to cancel the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project, which was initiated during the former’s chief ministership in the state.
He asserted that this move would push the city back by a decade in terms of urban mobility and development.
Patnaik’s comments, from his X (formerly Twitter) handle, came shortly after reports surfaced that the state government had scrapped its metro rail contract with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
Taking to his social media handles, Patnaik expressed “shock” at the cancellation, reiterating his long-held dream of transforming Bhubaneswar into a world-class city through world-class sports infrastructure, international events, modern transport, and a robust IT ecosystem.
“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, providing seamless modern transport and developing IT ecosystem to transform the temple city into a world class city,” he wrote in the post.
He emphasized that the metro project was designed to revolutionise the city’s transportation, complementing the existing Mo Bus system and last-mile connectivity. Patnaik said that apart from alleviating congestion inside the city significantly, it would have been a huge catalyst for the expansion of city.
“Realising the urgent need of a Metro System for enhanced mobility, we had set a watertight timeline of 2027 for Phase 1 of the project,” Patnaik said.
Patnaik further stated that the DMRC’s notice to contractors confirmed the Odisha government’s decision to scrap the project. He accused the “double-engine government” of “betraying the people of Odisha” by cancelling such a crucial project, warning that it would “push the city 10 years back.”
“It’s now learnt from the notice by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to contractors that Odisha Govt has scrapped the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project. The double-engine government has betrayed the people of Odisha by cancelling an important project like Metro Rail. The shocking decision by double engine will push the city 10 years back,” Patnaik’s post read.
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
In response, Odisha’s Housing and Urban Development Minister, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, clarified that the state government is actively planning a “feasible Metro project” for the capital.
He said the previous BJD government had not sought central assistance for its Rs 5,000 crore, fully state-funded project, which would connect Biju Patnaik International Airport with Trisulia Square.
Mahapatra stated that the current BJP government intends to execute the project as a joint venture with the Central government’s support. “We will have the Metro train project differently from the past government’s plan, which was not feasible. A new DRP will be prepared and sent to the Centre for approval,” the minister added.
