Bhubaneswar: The ambitious metro rail project, connecting the Capital city and Cuttack, will continue as per the schedule, Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said here, Tuesday. Speaking during a training programme of municipal officials at Lok Seva Bhawan here, Mahapatra said, “We’ll discuss and ensure that rain doesn’t affect the metro rail project work. We’ll also analyse the state’s Budget. If required, we’ll seek the Centre’s help in this regard.” “Since, we have a double engine government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a special liking for Odisha, I believe the Centre will leave no stone unturned towards developing the state,” the H&UD Minister added. Mahapatra stressed on the need to keep roads clean as per the approach of Swachh Bharat Mission and planting trees on a large scale in the municipal areas. He also laid emphasis on ensuring urban wastes, especially from hospitals, do not pollute water sources. He said project executing agencies must ensure its maintenance for at least three years. “Criminal cases would be registered against those found violating the norms,” Mahapatra added. The minister advised officials to ensure field visits for at least three-four hours a day. Asking officials to chalk out a plan so that people reach their destinations in a short span of time, he suggested installation of more CCTVs in urban areas as it would help maintain law and order. H&UD department Principal Secretary G Mathi Vathanan said ‘Team Urban’ is ready to take up the urban development programmes that will be introduced by the new government.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP