The government is making progress in developing the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines aimed at easing the traffic congestion in the capital city and its surrounding areas, according to official sources.
Dhaka Metro Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a new metro rail system being developed by the Dhaka Mass Transit Company (DMTC) in Dhaka. The public transport system is expected to boost the economic and social development of the greater Dhaka area, known for long hours of traffic snarls that cause economic loss and pollution.
There has been a push in completing the detailed design of the 39-87-km MIT Line-1, known as Airport Rail Link stretching from Gazipur to Kamalapur rail station. Authorities expect to start the line by 2026.
Read Bangladesh Braces to Finish Dhaka Metro Rail Project
This route will have stations in Gazipur, Signboard, Boardbazar, National University, Tongi, Abdullahpur, Uttara, Airport, Airport T3, Khilkhet, Jamuna Future Park, Baridhara, North Badda, South Badda, Merul, Rampura, Khilgaon, Malibagh, Rajarbagh and Kamalapur Railway Station with the depot in Rupganj.
The sources said the basic design of Line-5 (Northern Route) is under way, while a feasibility study forLine-5 (Southern Route) will be done soon.
The 40-km MRT 5 (Northern Route), which is expected to commence within 2028, is from Savar Cantonment to Jalshiri Housing.
Read: One step closer to completing historic Metro Rail project in Bangladesh: Japan
Stations on this route are: Savar Cantonment, Savar Golf Course, Jahanginagar University, Radio Colony, Savar City Center, Banktown, Hemayetpur, Modhumoti Housing, Aminbazar, Gabtoli, Darus Salam, Mirpur -1, Mirpur-10, Mirpur-14, Cantonment, Banani, Gulshan-2, Baridhara, Madani Avenue, United City and Jalshiri Housing with the depot in Hemayetpur.
The 17.4- km Line-5 (Southern Route), which is expected to commence within 2027, stretches from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi.
Read One step closer to completing historic Metro Rail project in Bangladesh: Japan