Underground metro rail’s work likely to start in Dec

The civil works of the underground metro rail is likely to start in December this year before the first elevated rail’s Uttara-Agargaon section opens for the passengers.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL), the implementing agency of the metro rail projects, will sign a contract with a joint venture firm on 23 November for land development of underground metro’s depot.

“Then we will seek Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s schedule for the ground breaking ceremony. Hopefully, she will kick off the underground metro rail’s construction work before inauguration of the Uttara-Agargaon section of MRT-6,” MAN Siddique, Managing Director of DMTCL said.

The government has appointed Md Abul Kashem Bhuiyan, a retired Additional Chief Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department, as the Project Director of MRT-1 known as underground metro rail on November 9.  

The Tk52, 561.43 crore project is the biggest infrastructural project in the transport sector. It is scheduled to be completed by December 2026, according to project documents.

This 31.24-km-long line has two parts - an underground 19.87-km part from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Kamalapur (Airport route) and 11.36-km elevated line from Notunbazar to Purbachal (Purbachal route).

Works of MRT-6 are going on in full swing  

MAN Siddique said the Uttara-Agargaon section (first phase) of MRT-6 construction has a progress of 94.57 percent. The second phase from Agargaon to Matijhel has progress of 85.11 percent as of October.

The authorities have started utility relocation works at the third phase (Kamalapur extension). Their civil works will start by this month.

“For the Uttara-Agargaon part all works including mechanical, electrical and signaling have been completed. Tracks are ready to operate trains there. Since September we have been conducting system integration tests on ten sets of trains which may complete by November. After that, blank operation of trains will start,” MAN Siddique said.

Once the system integration tests are done, the DMTCL will seek the Prime Minister’s schedule for inauguration. She might give her schedule after 16 December.

Two stations exit-entry problems to be solved by this month   

According to metro rail officials, they have almost solved problems at Shewrapara and Kazipara stations on the Uttara-Agargaon route. There is a bank beside Shewrapara station’s landing point. DMTCH has asked them to shift the bank.

“It would take time. We have asked them to shift before November ends,” MAN Siddique said.

At Kazipara, the authorities will shift a privately owned building for space compensating its owners as the station landing was built on the footpath leaving no room for passersby.

Tk1000cr seed money for metro rail operation approved

While starting operation DMTCL will need funds to meet operation costs of metro rail until it starts earning. It has already received the first installment of seed money from the government.

“We have sought Tk1000 crore as seed money to meet operation, maintenance and depreciation costs for one year. Of the money, Tk500cr will be spent as depreciation cost,” said MAN Siddique.

The authorities will earn revenue from fare as well as non-fare sources. “At least 65 percent to 75 percent income will be generated by selling tickets. The rest will come from non-fare businesses like renting out spaces for business and advertisements,” he added.

Answering a question, he said that the government had approved MRT police, a special unit to provide security for passengers and property of metro rail. It will be in service soon.

Besides, DMTCL will sign a MoU with the BRTC for a shuttle service for metro rail passengers on 17 November.