Odisha Plans To Expand Metro Rail Project To Cuttack With ₹700-Crore Bridge Over Kathajodi

Bhubaneswar: In a strategic move to support the expansion of the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project, the Odisha government has announced plans for a new bridge over the Kathajodi River. The proposed bridge, connecting Trisulia with Belview Square in Cuttack, is set to facilitate the metro rail extension up to Netaji Bus Terminal. The state government has allocated approximately Rs 700 crore for the project.

Initially, the government had intended to construct a four-lane bridge over the Kathajodi river, budgeted at Rs 220 crore, to enhance road connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. However, recent developments indicate the cancellation of tenders for this project. Instead, the focus has shifted to constructing a multi-purpose bridge, equipped with rail tracks to support the metro rail expansion.

The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited (OB&CC) will oversee the project, with tender invitations expected shortly. The decision to cancel the previous bridge project aligns with the government’s new vision of integrating the metro rail service up to Netaji Bus Terminal.

The metro rail project for the capital region, announced a few months ago, aims to connect Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar to Trisulia Square in its initial phase. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is slated to lay the foundation stone for the Rs 6,255 crore project on January 1.

Looking ahead, the state government envisions expanding the metro rail project to reach Netaji Bus Terminal via key locations such as Judicial Academy, Sishu Bhawan, Orissa High Court, and Purighat. A detailed project report (DPR) is currently in preparation to facilitate this extension.