Japan: One step closer to completing historic Metro Rail project in Bangladesh

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said they are one step closer to the completion of the historic metro rail project in Bangladesh.

"When the people of Bangladesh see this electrified vehicle traveling in Dhaka, they will realise the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh," he said.

The ambassador, together with Hayakawa Yuho, chief representative of JICA Bangladesh, attended the MRT 6 trains introduction ceremony. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader participated in the ceremony online.

In this ceremony of viewing six railcars of Dhaka MRT manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan, Ambassador Naoki said the project has overcome a number of hurdles from the terrible terror attack to the current pandemic crisis.

Also Read - Into the era of electric trains

He said the trains in the traditional colours of Bangladesh will run in Dhaka city with Japanese technology.

"It symbolizes the changing face of Dhaka. Dhaka MRT is the frontrunner of the transport infrastructure development of the city," he said.

The cars are made of stainless steel, which is lightweight and features high durability. For the safety of passengers, they are equipped with interior and exterior CCTV cameras.

The automatic ticket gates will use "Rapid Pass" with Felica chip, developed by Sony. Passengers will pass through the gates by simply touching them.

Also Read - In pictures: Metro Rail - A dream made reality

It has a Communications-Based Train Control system (CBTC), which is the state-of-the-art signalling system by Nippon Signal. CBTC uses radio communication which enables high-density train traffic to operate.

Ambassador Naoki said there is one more Japanese technology - Energy Storage System (ESS) by Toshiba. "The ESS system stores regenerative electricity by train braking and supply it to the train efficiently."

This system is instrumental in energy-saving and lower maintenance costs for braking devices, he said.

Line 6 is fully elevated in a total length of approximately 20km with 16 stations, connecting the centre of Dhaka from north to south. It will connect Uttara North to Motijheel in 36 minutes. 

Also Read - How much will it cost to ride the Dhaka metro rail?

Japanese companies have been awarded the contract for the manufacture and delivery of trains, construction of train depots and station buildings, major construction work of an essential part in the main line, and supply of major equipment.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries will manufacture 144 railcars. The first batch of six cars was shipped from Kobe port on March 3 and arrived in Dhaka on April 21.