DMTCL planning to extend completion timeline until 2035

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) is planning a fresh timeline for developing five additional metro rail corridors in the megacity, following a lapse of over a year, as the current target of completing all Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines by 2030 was never considered "realistic".

Officials indicated that the earlier target of completing all MRT lines by 2030 is now unlikely to be met, with a revised completion date likely around 2035.

DMTCL Managing Director Faruque Ahmed said a definitive timeline can only be confirmed after procurement for projects currently under implementation is completed.

"Smart MRT construction requires all works to start simultaneously due to interdependencies between project packages. At least six to seven years are needed to complete a line once construction begins, but procurement must be finalised first," he told The Financial Express.

Mr Ahmed added that a realistic schedule could be announced after the first quarter of next year, once procurement for MRT-1 and MRT-5 North is finalised and the plan for two other MRTs becomes clearer.

PROGRESS OF EXISTING PROJECTS

Under the previous Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP), DMTCL had aimed to complete all MRT lines by 2030, partly under political pressure from the Awami League government.

MRT-6 was partially launched in December 2022 ahead of elections, but completion has been delayed due to an extension of the line to Kamalapur Railway Station.

MRT 1, spanning 19.82 kilometres underground from the Airport to Kamalapur and 11.36 kilometres elevated from Notun

Bazar to Pitolganj, was initially scheduled for completion in 2029 after a deadline extension.

MRT-5 North, developed simultaneously, has reached the procurement stage with a target completion in 2028.

Feasibility studies and detailed designs for MRT-5 South have been completed but await approval by the Planning Commission, despite cost revisions under the interim government.

Progress on other MRT lines has reportedly been slow over the past year.

Refuting this, the MD said his team has been working on procurement for MRT-1 and MRT-5 North.

"MRT must be built in the city, and it must be a smart MRT," he said, noting that DMTCL needs time to strengthen its institutional capacity. "The company is yet to acquire sufficient skilled personnel to operate a highly technical mass transit system."

Officials say tenders for nearly all contract packages of MRT-1 and MRT-5 North have been issued and are at different stages of evaluation, while depot construction is ongoing. MRT-2 and MRT-4 are also in development, with multiple partners showing interest.

So far, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has provided major support to MRT-6, MRT-1, and MRT-5 North. The Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with a South Korean bank, has pledged a loan for MRT-5 South.

Sources indicate MRT-4 may be developed under a Public-Private Partnership, following patterns from previous projects.

smunima@yahoo.com