First metro train ready for shipment, DMTCL places order for 3 more sets

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL) has given order to Japanese metro train company for manufacturing second, third and fourth set of passengers' trains, as the first passenger train was ready for shipment.

"One set of metro train having six coaches and two engines was ready for shipment on June 15 but it was delayed due to Covid-19," DMTCL Managing Director MAN Siddique said on Monday, reports BSS.

He said overall 45% construction work of the Dhaka Metro Rail project has been completed so far, as works continued following the health instruction during the Covid-19.

Currently, 10.26 kilometre out of 11.73 kilometre metro rail between Uttara and Agargaon has become visible, he said.

Siddique said construction of the first phase between Uttara and Agargaon stood at 72% while 40% was done of the second phase (Agargaon to Motijheel) till now and its work will be completed with sincere and relentless efforts as DMTCL authorities engaged workers and experts following the health instructions properly.

"Our construction works were continuing on a small scale at five points. We expect that large scale construction works will be started from next week following the health instructions properly, as we have already provided housing facilities for our workers ensuring a 14-day home quarantine," he said.

The DMTCL managing director said foreigners and also local experts will also be taken under 14 days' quarantine aimed at preventing coronavirus spread. The Covid-19 epidemic has not heavily affected the metro rail project.

The government has a plan to officially inaugurate MRT Line 6 (From Uttara to Kamalapur) on December 16, 2021 to mark the golden jubilee of independence of Bangladesh, an official said.

According to the DMTCL authorities, electric lines will be installed along with the metro rail lines. There will be a total number of 16 stations, starting from the first station at Uttara Diabari named as "Uttara North." 

The metro rail is projected to carry 60,000 passengers per hour by travelling the entire route of 20km in less than 40 minutes.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader earlier said the total metro rail project is being done in eight packages, adding, "Construction work of Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) Line 6, the country's first elevated metro rail system in Dhaka city, is going on in full swing targeting to complete it by the end of 2021."

According to project details, under fifth package, 3.2-kilometer viaduct and three metro stations are being built from Agargaon to Karwan Bazar, while 4.9-kilometer metro rail from Karwan Bazar to Motijheel having four stations is being constructed under sixth package.

Package 5 under MRT Line 6 is being implemented by a joint venture of Japanese Pekken Abenikko and Bangladeshi Abdul Monem Ltd.