MP Aparajita Sarangi has urged the Odisha Chief Minister to reconsider the State Cabinet's decision to halt the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project, citing public concern and strong demand for modern urban mobility. She highlighted rapid urbanisation and population growth in Bhubaneswar that have increased traffic congestion and created a pressing need for a high-capacity transportation system. The appeal framed the project as essential to sustainable urban mobility and long-term planning.

Sarangi presented the metro as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and urban development, and argued that a modern system would serve vulnerable groups including senior citizens, women, children and differently-abled people. She noted that improved access to landmarks such as Lingaraj Temple, Dhauli and the ISKCON Temple could boost tourism and the city's investment appeal. The case was positioned as aligned with the Government's Viksit Odisha vision.

The letter emphasised projected population increases across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Khurda that will place greater demands on infrastructure and commuting. Reference was made to other Indian cities that have adopted metro systems, including Pune, Kanpur and Ahmedabad, which have benefited from enhanced mobility and urban competitiveness. Sarangi cautioned that Bhubaneswar should not fall behind in this national trend.

Financial considerations were addressed with a note that around Rs 2,740 mn has already been expended from the state exchequer, and that shelving the project could render that investment effectively wasted. The MP warned that delays often result in escalated costs for large infrastructure schemes and underlined that public transport projects are intended for long-term social and economic benefit rather than immediate profitability. She argued that continued investment would create employment and improve residents' quality of life.

The letter closed with a call for reconsideration and an offer to facilitate coordination with the central government to secure further funding and technical support. It was framed as a response to visible public support and a strategic choice with long-term implications for the city's infrastructure. The decision was said to be pivotal for Bhubaneswar's trajectory towards becoming a modern, smart city.