Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today laid the foundation stone for the first phase of the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project. Attending a function organized at Barang Ratagadh on this occasion, the Patnaik said that today will be a special day in the development history of the state.
“A big transformation is coming in the transportation sector. Today I am fulfilling the promise I made for metro rail,” Patnaik added.
The Chief Minister said that LAccMI scheme has brought transformation in villages; the metro rail project will take this transformation further. The connection between Old Capital Cuttack with New Capital Bhubaneswar will be further strengthened.
Stating about the excitement and enthusiasm of the people while he was coming, the Chief Minister said that “While coming here thousands of people greeted me on the way. Their happiness made me very happy too. I pray to the Lord let this happiness, this joy of the New Year, remain forever . Let the Festival of Development move forward with your support.”
The Chief Minister said that the first phase of the metro rail project will be constructed from Bhubaneswar Airport to Trishulia covering 26 km. The project will have 20 stations and will cost Rs 6,255.94 crore.
The Chief Minister said that this is a flagship project of the state in 5T initiative. Stating that the entire cost of the project will be borne by the state government, he said that it is the biggest investment in infrastructure sector in the history of Odisha.
The Chief Minister said that he has asked for the preparation of a master plan for the extension of metro rail to Khurda, Puri and Cuttack. The Chief Minister called for creation of a new Odisha, an empowered Odisha.
It is worth noting that before laying the foundation stone at Baranga Ratagada Patnaik held a roadshow on the 26 km route of the proposed metro project.
The Chief Minister first garlanded Bijubabu’s statue at Airport Chowk. He then held a road-show and greeted the crowd at Capital Hospital Chowk, 120 Battalion, Jaydev Bihar Chowk, Xavier Chowk, Rail Sadan, District Centre, Indian Oil Chowk, KIIT Chowk, Nandan Vihar and Raghunathpur.
