Metro project will be built underground: Minister
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Bhubaneswar: Works minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday announced major infrastructural developments in capital city, including plans for a mega Odisha Mandapam, a 10,000-seater convention centre, and a significant modification to the Metro rail project, which will now be constructed underground instead of the previously planned elevated route.
Speaking on the sidelines of a national seminar on 'Recent Advances in Iconic Building Projects', jointly organised by the public works department and the Indian Building Congress (IBC), the minister also announced plans to build disaster-resilient buildings across the state. "The site for the mega convention centre has been identified in Chandrasekharpur, with the initial feasibility study already completed," Harichandan said.
Regarding the Metro project modification, he added, "An elevated Metro is not feasible for Bhubaneswar, which prompted us to reconsider its design and opt for an underground concept similar to other Indian cities."
The national seminar brought together experts and policymakers from across India to discuss sustainable construction practices. Bijay Chandra Tripathy, chairman of the Odisha chapter of IBC, said that the seminar's outcomes would be submitted to the govt for consideration, adding that they would 'collaborate with the state govt in achieving sustainable construction practices'.
Marking a significant milestone, the seminar is the first national-level IBC event in Bhubaneswar in two decades. Manoranjan Mishra, former engineer in-chief of the works department and IBC council member, emphasised that the event explored innovative solutions for future infrastructure development.
P K Parhi, vice-chairman of IBC's Odisha chapter, noted the overwhelming response from various sectors, including govt bodies, planning authorities, and academic institutions. "After so long, the city has witnessed the national seminar of IBC. It will be important since Bhubaneswar is currently making strides in infrastructure development," he said.
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