Bhubaneswar Metro contracts scrapped over delays; Odisha to reboot project with new blueprint

Fresh DPR, tenders in pipeline as state affirms commitment to urban transit overhaul

By Sukant Mohanty

Bhubaneswar, July 26: In a major shake-up to Odisha’s flagship urban transport initiative, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has terminated construction contracts for the Bhubaneswar Metro project due to prolonged execution delays.

The contracts with Ceigall India Limited and Ranjit Buildcon, responsible for building elevated viaducts and six metro stations under Phase I, were officially cancelled on July 25. The terminated stretch includes the corridor between Nandan Vihar and Trisulia Square, along with the depot ramp.

According to official filings, including one under SEBI’s Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements, Ceigall India has been notified that the metro project in its current form stands scrapped. The company has signalled its intent to seek compensation through contractual provisions.

Project activity had reportedly come to a standstill for nearly eight months, with no tangible progress on-site. Sources attribute the impasse to a mix of logistical, financial, and coordination setbacks between DMRC and the contractors. The termination, however, is being viewed not as an abandonment, but a reset of the project.

Government officials reiterated that the Bhubaneswar Metro is far from shelved, and will move ahead under a revised implementation framework.

On July 16, a high-level sub-committee chaired by Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo reviewed the metro’s future as part of broader urban mobility planning for the capital. The panel discussed new proposals aimed at decongesting city roads and strengthening public transit, with the metro remaining central to those efforts.

Following the meeting, law minister Prithviraj Harichandan confirmed that a dedicated inter-ministerial task force is currently preparing a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR). Once finalised, the state will invite fresh bids and resume construction under a new roadmap.

Officials say the reset is expected to address earlier shortcomings and align the project with Bhubaneswar’s evolving transportation needs.