The State government has come out with a request for proposal (RFP) for preparation of a detailed project report of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
The government has sought MRTS along Jatni-Khurda-Bhubaneswar-Barang-Cuttack- Choudwar that will pass through most of the important destinations within Bhubaneswar Cuttack Urban Complex (BCUC) making it the most feasible mass transit routes in future.
Focus on BCUC
The MRTS will cater to five urban centres and adjoining rural hinterland comprising the BCUC which are at present at varying levels of development. It has been estimated that BCUC’s population would touch 42 lakh by 2030.
“The alignment passing through the proposed rail terminal facilities near Barang offers advantage of easy passenger interchange between suburban rail commuting and road-based commuting. The mass transit options can either be Light Rail Transit or Bus Rapid Transit – depending on the techno-economic feasibility.
Feeder routes with mass or para transit options can be provided to connect this trunk alignment to the various parts within the urban centre,” the RFP says.
Imperative
The MRTS for the twin cities becomes imperative considering the fact that the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack corridor is witnessing huge infrastructure development, it says.
The consultant for the project is expected to carry out traffic demand assessment and system selection before preparing the detailed project report. The DPR should include plan for civil work, cost, implementation strategy and schedule and institutional arrangement.
