DHAKA, June 14, 2026 (BSS) – The government is making progress in constructing MRT Lines 1, 5 (northern route), 5 (southern route), 2 and 4 with the aim of reducing traffic congestion in Dhaka and its surrounding areas.

“Following the launch of MRT Line-6, the government is advancing the construction of MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (Northern Route),” Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said in his budget speech on June 11.

He said planning activities for MRT Line-5 (southern route), MRT Line-2 and MRT Line-4 are progressing.

“A strong metro rail network comprising six MRT lines is being developed to reduce traffic congestion and improve the urban environment in Dhaka and its surrounding areas,” Khosru told parliament.

He said the government has adopted short-, medium- and long-term plans for the development of the transport sector to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to ministry information, following the launch of MRT Line-6, the government is advancing the construction of MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (northern route), while planning activities for MRT Line-5 (Southern Route), MRT Line-2 and MRT Line-4 are underway.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) is working to construct the first underground metro line, MRT Line-1, from the airport to Kamalapur, connecting Purbachal New Town. The 31.241-kilometre line will have two sections, according to the ministry.

The MRT Line-1 project is being implemented under 12 construction packages.

According to DMTCL, the 23.50-kilometre MRT Line-2 will be constructed along the Gabtoli–Dhaka Udyan–Basila Intersection–Mohammadpur–BRTC Bus Stand–Jhigatala–Science Lab–New Market–Azimpur–Lalbagh–Chakbazar–Mitford–Nayabazar–Dholaikhal–Dayaganj–Kajla–Demra–Tarabo Bus Stand route.

It said the feasibility study report for construction of MRT Line-4, a 16-kilometre railway line from Kamalapur to Madanpur in Narayanganj, was sent to the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank), the development partner agency, through a consultant firm.

Earlier, DMTCL held a meeting on the feasibility study on December 17, 2025.

DMTCL sources said the Northern Route of MRT Line-5, from Hemayetpur to Vatara, is expected to start operation by 2028. The 20-kilometre route will have 13.50 kilometres underground and 6.50 kilometres elevated sections.

The MRT Line-5 will have 14 stations (nine underground and five elevated), and the feasibility study of the project has been completed. The basic design, detailed design and various surveys have also been completed.

The MRT Line-5 project is being implemented under 10 packages.

Besides, another metro rail service will be operated as the Southern Route of MRT Line-5 from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi, covering 17.20 kilometres, including 13.10 kilometres underground from Gabtoli to Aftab Nagar West and 4.10 kilometres elevated from Aftab Nagar to Dasherkandi.

The MRT Line-5 Southern Route will be constructed with 15 stations (11 underground and four elevated) by 2030.

The authority has completed the feasibility study, while the Detailed Engineering Design (DE) is under review. Preparation of procurement documents is underway.

In addition, a monorail-based feeder network will be developed to ensure fast and seamless connectivity from metro rail terminal points to various destinations, which will further improve the efficiency of the urban transport system and passenger services.