Centre Announces Rapid Rail Plan For Bhubaneshwar-Cuttack Corridor As Cost-Effective Metro Alternative

The Centre is examining the possibility of introducing Namo Bharat rapid rail service between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to improve public transport connectivity in the twin-city region.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that the government is examining the possibility of operating Namo Bharat Rapid Rail on a proposed railway line between the two cities.

A new railway line is being sanctioned on which a Namo Bharat Rapid Rail can run every 30 minutes between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, with Vaishnaw stating such an arrangement is being made possible by the double-engine government.

“If we construct a rapid transit system on the surface, it will cost Rs 30 crore per km. But it may cost Rs 300 crore per km if we construct a metro rail-like system on an elevated corridor. We should spend public money in a better way,” Vaishnaw said.

The proposed rapid train service aims to operate at intervals of roughly 30 minutes, offering a high-frequency commuter link between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

The rapid rail proposal emerges as a cost-effective alternative to the previously planned metro project. The earlier metro project, announced by the previous Odisha government, had an estimated cost of Rs 6,255 crore and a network of 20 stations.

Each train will include a premium coach and one coach reserved for women.

In May 2023, Vaishnaw also announced that Vande Metro trains would operate between Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri.

The trains are designed for short-distance routes of around 50–60 km, functioning like shuttle services on corridors such as Cuttack–Bhubaneswar and Lingaraj Temple (Bhubaneswar)–Puri.

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