By Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo
DHAKA, Oct 20, 2020 (BSS) – Japanese experts have been preparing the detailed design of 31.241-kilometer Mass Rapid Transit Line-1 (MRT Line-1) on Airport and Purbachal routes.
“During the coronavirus pandemic, consultants appointed for the project are engaged in Home Office Assignment/Home Assignment in Japan for preparing the detailed design of the MRT line-1,” Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) MAN Siddique told BSS here today.
He said the detailed study, survey and basic design for both the routes of the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-1) were completed.
According to the project details, the 31.241-km MRT Line-1 will be divided into two parts. One will be 19.872 kilometers long from the Airport to Kamalapur with having 12 underground stations and another will be 11.369-km long from Natun Bazar to Pitalganj Depot through Purbachal with having nine overhead stations.
The MRT Line-1 construction is expected to be completed by 2026 at a cost of Taka 52, 5620 crore. The Line-1 will link the capital’s airport to Kamalapur. It will also have an elevated part to connect Purbachal with Notun Bazar. The MRT Line-1 will have an inter-change at Natun Bazar station, which would be used for moving to Airport and Purbachal.
The line will have a link with the under construction Terminal-3 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport so that passengers can travel to most parts of the country using the route.
The MRT Line-1 will have 21 stations including underground and elevated ones from Airport to Kamalapur and Natun Bazar to Pitalganj through Purbachal under Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj district.
Siddique said the government is working on expansion of the planned metro rail network for making a coordinated modern public transport management system in Dhaka metropolis and its surrounding areas.
Initially Japan has given commitment to provide fund for the project. As a close friend, Japan is also funding the country’s first elevated metro rail, MRT Line-6, from Uttara to Motijheel. Construction of the 20.1km track is now underway and may be completed by next year.