Ya you are right Aveek.. But then the metro service was estimated to be viable for a population of minimum 20 lakh, but present population is just 15 lakh. It is expected to grow to 40 lakh by 2030. The MRTS has been initiated focusing on the 40 lakh population by 2030 so that it can start functioning by that time.
I read sometime back that the principal adviser of DMRC has advised that it is difficult to run metro rails in Bhubaneswar because the population is merely one million and at less population, metro would end up to be expensive. Cheaper alternatives such as bus rapid transit system (BRTS) or high speed tramway system would be better for the city.
The govt has sent a letter to the ministry requesting logistical support and funds to start the metro rail project. It has sought the Centre's help to prepare a detailed project report (DPR). The proposal was initiated in 2008 and it was labelled as mass rapid transit system (MRTS).
Hey guys, Odisha government with the help of the Union Ministry of urban development is starting an intercity metro rail service between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The government has been planning to initiate monorail connecting these two cities and also high speed bus service in Bhubaneswar.