TNI Bureau: Dr. Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), has written to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar urging immediate intervention to ensure that the proposed Metro Rail project in Odisha is not scrapped.

In his letter dated April 6, 2026, Patra highlighted that the metro project, originally envisioned under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, is crucial for the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Khurda–Puri corridor. He described it as a vital mass transit backbone that would significantly enhance mobility and support economic growth in the region.

Expressing concern over reports that the Odisha Government may abandon the project, Patra warned that such a move would undermine a well-planned infrastructure initiative and deprive citizens of long-term benefits. He stressed that governance continuity demands the preservation of key public infrastructure projects.

The MP also pointed out that metro development falls under the ambit of the National Urban Transport Policy and the Metro Rail Policy 2017, which provide for Centre–State collaboration.

He emphasized provisions such as 50:50 equity participation, viability gap funding (VGF), and policy safeguards ensuring that states are not forced to drop metro projects due to financial constraints.

Dr. Patra urged the Union Ministry to prevail upon the Odisha Government to reconsider its decision and facilitate implementation through a cost-sharing arrangement or equivalent support mechanism.

Calling the issue critical for public interest, he sought urgent action to uphold national policy commitments and protect the long-term infrastructure needs of Odisha.