Metro rail's first phase visible

With installation of the last viaduct, the first phase of Bangladesh’s first metro rail project is now visible between Uttara and Agargaon.

The viaduct was installed between pier no 375 and 376 at around 11:20am Sunday making the 11.73km long first part of the much-awaited metro rail visible creating the hope among the city commuters to have a smooth travelling to and from Uttara and Agargaon in a shorted time.

Besides, the project in this portion has marked a significant progress as 8.72km track installation has also been done aiming to start operation in this portion by December 2021, as planned by the government.   

Present on the occasion, MAN Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, the implementing agency of the project, along with other officials, expressed joy saying: “This is a very happy moment for us.” 

Speaking to media, he shared, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT line-6) is scheduled to open in 2024; however, the authorities are trying for an early commission.

“Apart from the viaduct, some other components of the project like coach, electrical and mechanical system all should function simultaneously to operate the metro rail. So, once we get the coaches in April, then we will take the decision of trial run first and then the full operation,” MAN Siddique said.   

Recently, Planning Minister MA Mannan informed the first phase of metro rail is likely to be operational in December this year.

The Tk 22,000 crore project is being implemented to build the 20.10km elevated metro rail from Uttara to Motijheel.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed officials to further extend the metro line from Motijheel to Kamalapur. The length of the line will then be 21.70km.

Likely to be operational in Dec