BHUBANESWAR: The East Coast Railway (ECOR) wants to exit an MoU with the Odisha government to develop Bhubaneswar railway station as a multi-modal hub, citing delays in the execution of the project. Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) instead of this, ECoR has suggested a revised agreement so that it can complete the work related to the station stuck due to the deal.
“I have been directed to take up the railway station portion of the project for execution by the Railways as the progress is slow,” wrote ECoR General Manager Vidya Bhushan to Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra. Mahapatra on Wednesday.
The move comes as a surprise as Bhushan, after reviewing the progress of the project on July 23, had expressed confidence that work would start within six months. He had then said, “After finalizing the detailed project estimate, the tender will be floated.”
On the possibility of a revised MoU, Mohapatra said, “The government will take a decision soon.” The Chief Secretary said that after the formal approval of the government, they (Railways) will be asked to develop the railway sector only.
However, BDA officials did not comment on the reasons for the delay. Sources in the state construction department said the project got delayed as the government is busy fighting covid. In addition, the Hub scheme is part of the Smart City project, and the government is facing funding issues in its execution, the source said.
The multi-modal hub is proposed to be redeveloped at an estimated cost of Rs 1075 crore, with ECoR and BDA sharing the expenditure. As per the MoU signed on September 19, 2019, the BDA was to execute the entire project – two additional railway lines, new terminal building, city bus terminal, a shopping complex, restaurants, parking and other facilities. The detailed project report and construction plan had already been prepared.
“I have been directed to take up the railway station portion of the project for execution by the Railways as the progress is slow,” wrote ECoR General Manager Vidya Bhushan to Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra. Mahapatra on Wednesday.
The move comes as a surprise as Bhushan, after reviewing the progress of the project on July 23, had expressed confidence that work would start within six months. He had then said, “After finalizing the detailed project estimate, the tender will be floated.”
On the possibility of a revised MoU, Mohapatra said, “The government will take a decision soon.” The Chief Secretary said that after the formal approval of the government, they (Railways) will be asked to develop the railway sector only.
However, BDA officials did not comment on the reasons for the delay. Sources in the state construction department said the project got delayed as the government is busy fighting covid. In addition, the Hub scheme is part of the Smart City project, and the government is facing funding issues in its execution, the source said.
The multi-modal hub is proposed to be redeveloped at an estimated cost of Rs 1075 crore, with ECoR and BDA sharing the expenditure. As per the MoU signed on September 19, 2019, the BDA was to execute the entire project – two additional railway lines, new terminal building, city bus terminal, a shopping complex, restaurants, parking and other facilities. The detailed project report and construction plan had already been prepared.
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