Cracks spotted at six metro stations after quake, authorities downplay concerns

Cracks have appeared at several stations along the Dhaka Metro Rail network following Friday’s 5.7 magnitude earthquake. But officials say the damage is superficial and poses no threat to operations.

Several station managers said cracks had been noticed on floors, walls and tiles at multiple stations, including Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, Pallabi, Mirpur-10, Mirpur-11 and Farmgate, bdnews24.com reports. 

Clear fractures were visible on the floors of the electrical substation rooms at Karwan Bazar and Bijoy Sarani, while the entrance wall of the Bijoy Sarani substation had also cracked. Similar issues were reported in the control room and electrical substation at Pallabi station.

A security guard at Mirpur-10 said several tiles inside the station had cracked, a claim echoed by staff at Mirpur 11, Farmgate and Bijoy Sarani.

Commuters expressed concern about safety. Solaiman, who travels between the Secretariat and Uttara, said: “There are cracks at several stations, but the authorities are silent. Who knows what might happen? We’re travelling with some worry.”

However, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Faruque Ahmed dismissed fears of serious damage.

“You say there are cracks at six stations, but we haven't found anything like that. Cracked tiles or plaster are not a problem. There is nothing to be worried about."

“We see no possibility of any impact on metro rail operations. Many people are spreading rumours, and rumours are just that.”

Friday’s earthquake, the strongest to hit Bangladesh in decades, left at least 10 people dead and caused structural cracks in numerous buildings across Dhaka and surrounding districts.