The official construction phase for Dhaka's much-anticipated MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (North) projects has commenced following a formal contract signing ceremony with designated contractors. Held at the Metro Rail Building in Uttara Diabari, the event marks a monumental step toward revolutionizing the capital's public transportation network. Jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), these ambitious infrastructure projects aim to significantly ease urban congestion and provide a world-class commuting experience.
The massive undertaking involves an estimated combined expenditure of nearly two trillion BDT. Specifically, the 31-kilometer-long MRT Line-1 running from the airport to Kamalapur is allocated a budget of 1.14 trillion BDT, featuring 21 stations. Meanwhile, the 20-kilometer-long MRT Line-5 (North) connecting Hemayetpur to Vatara entails a budget of 890 billion BDT with 14 stations. The newly signed four packages will facilitate the construction of eight elevated stations and an 11-kilometer elevated rail track, alongside essential depot infrastructures in Hemayetpur and Purbachal.
autoridades and key officials gathered at the signing ceremony, including Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Mohammad Ziaul Haque as the chief guest and Planning Commission member Kabir Ahmad as the special guest, alongside DMTCL Managing Director Mohammad Shaugatul Alam and representatives from the Japanese Embassy and JICA. Speakers underscored the strategic importance of adhering to the projected completion timeline of 2033, ensuring that rigorous engineering standards and safety protocols are maintained throughout the execution phases.
As civil works progress, the initiatives are expected to generate extensive employment opportunities and catalyze sustainable urban development. Upon full implementation, these modern mass rapid transit corridors will seamlessly connect vital commercial hubs and residential zones across Dhaka, drastically cutting down travel times, reducing vehicular emissions, and establishing a robust transit-oriented urban ecosystem for millions of commuters.
