The Odisha government has ropedin Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the construction of its flagship project — Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project.

On behalf of the Odisha government, Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation (a fully owned entity of the Odisha government) on Tuesday signed a contract with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for construction of the Metro Rail Project — Phase-I from Bhubaneswar Airport to Trishulia in Cuttack.

The MoU was signed in the presence of chief minister Naveen Patnaik on a virtual platform. The project is targeted to be completed in four years.

The DMRC will work as a turn-key consultant for the project.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that this pact signals the emergence of a new epoch in the transportation history of Odisha.

“We are now poised to transform the transportation landscape in the capital region. This is a flagship programme will symbolise the emergence of a New Odisha,” Naveen said.

Odisha cabinet has already approved the 1st phase of Metro Project from Bhubaneswar Airport to Trisulia Square, a distance of 26 km, at a cost of Rs 6,255 crore.

“This is the single largest investment made in any infrastructure project in the history of Odisha. The entire cost of the project will be borne by the state government,” said Naveen.

“I am happy that my government is delivering yet another promise which was made as part of our Manifesto in 2019.”

In the first phase, there will be 20 Metro stations including at Capital Hospital, Rajmahal Square, Jayadev Vihar Square and Patia Square.

The Metro rail tracks and stations will be on elevated viaducts. Ultra-modern coaches and signaling systems will be adopted.

Managing director (MD) DMRC Vikas Kumar said that this is an apt time to start transit-oriented development in Odisha.

It will spruce up economy and push growth and development in the region.