In an ambitious move to reshape urban transportation in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, the State Government claimed on Friday that the project, by being entirely green and pollution-free, aimed for its first phase completion, by December 2027. This move has envisaged reducing the current and existing traffic congestion problems experienced by the people here who face a nightmare journey.
Important Facts about the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project:
The first phase of the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project is 26 km long, which would greatly impact the city’s public transport system. This metro line has 20 stations strategically located in and around the city and along the route to depict the richness of Odisha’s culture. The first phase of this project would be game-changing for the people in the city because it offers them an efficient, modern method of transportation.
Project Specifications and Timeline
The estimated cost for the initial phase of the metro project totals a staggering Rs 6,256 crore. The trains will be 13 and each train will be having three coaches, and it will cater to 95,000 passengers, which is the daily mode of transportation. High expectations of daily ridership, therefore, are an unequivocal indicator of the desire for modern mass transit solutions in the city.
It is to be completed by the last quarter of December 2027. It is going to become one date in the timeline for this project, but it will also save many more roads because the number of running vehicles will decrease with time as the metro rail will be built very efficiently. The air quality increases; travelling time decreases, and people will have an alternative using eco-friendly mode of transportation instead of conventional transport.
Government Support and Funding
Another significant step toward the implementation of this mega project is land acquisition. Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi confirmed that all lands required for the project are acquired. Besides this, the state government also vowed to provide full funding support for the initial phase of metro projects so that it is not hindered financially by any kind of barrier towards the completion of metro as scheduled.
Although the state government will be bearing the initial phase of expenses, future help from the central authority would be judged on the progress of the project and how much help it needs. Thus, such massive infrastructure development requires collaborative work by state and central governments.
Effects on Urban Transportation
The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project will go a long way in shaping urban transportation. Though the problem of traffic congestion has been around, now with the metro people will be able to travel on a daily basis in an hassle-free manner and improve connectivity across the city by traveling faster.
As the city expands and continues in the process of urbanization, an available sustainable public transport will become all the more essential. In this way, metro shall not only solve the issue of congestion but also will add on to the reduction of carbon footprint by the city. The promotion of changing over from personal transport towards the public transport mode in the city will reduce the levels of pollution in the city in the long run.
How the Bhubaneswar Metro Will Benefit Citizens
Bhubaneswar Metro Rail has been designed by keeping the everyday commuter’s minds in mind. Some of the major benefits that this would reap are as follows:
Lower Traffic Congestion: A dedicated line of metro transport will keep the number of cars and buses on road minimal. Thus, making the roads smooth for transportation.
Improved Accessibility: Travelling to most parts of the city will be smoother for one and all because of this metro system- especially from underprivileged districts.
Environment Friendly Transport: The metro trains would reduce the urban transport problem as it definitely would decrease the emission of private vehicles.
Economic Growth: Better connectivity would improve the economic activities, so that the businesses grow and come up with new employment in the transport sector.
Conclusion: Moving Towards Sustainable Urban Development
The Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project is definitely a giant leap for the city to transform its urban landscape. For this first phase, with an expected completion date of December 2027, it will not only bring state-of-the-art and efficient transportation to the city but also be a contribution towards a cleaner, greener, and better-connected Bhubaneswar. Given the city’s growing growth, projects such as the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail will play a fundamental role in making sure the development is sustainable and equitable for all the city’s denizens.
The citizens will benefit from the reduced traffic of this ambitious work as it moves forward with improved air quality and enhanced urban mobility.
Refer :
ConstructionWorld, Link to article
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