Dhaka: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved 12 projects totaling an estimated cost of Taka 1,68,780 crore, which includes significant investments in three metro rail projects aimed at enhancing the eco-friendly mass transportation infrastructure in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the approvals were granted during the 3rd ECNEC meeting of the current fiscal year, presided over by ECNEC Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Bangladesh Secretariat. State Minister for Planning Md. Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki and Planning Division Secretary SM Shakil Akhter briefed reporters following the meeting, held at the NEC Conference Room located in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.
The project funding comprises Taka 48,256.30 crore from the government of Bangladesh, Taka 1,20,466.39 crore through project loans, and an additional Taka 57.71 crore from the respective organizations' own funds. The government sanctioned a new metro rail initiative valued at Tk 45,503.76 crore and considered revisions to two ongoing metro rail projects.
The MRT Line-5 Southern Route will establish a 17.20-kilometre metro rail corridor stretching from Gabtali to Dasherkandi, featuring 13.10 kilometres of underground tracks. The meeting also approved revised proposals for MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 Northern Route. For the Line-5 Southern Route, the government is set to contribute Tk 15,197.66 crore, with the remaining Tk 30,306.10 crore sourced from loans provided by the Asian Development Bank and South Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund.
The original cost estimation for the two ongoing metro projects, approved in 2019, was Tk 93,799.97 crore. However, the revised projection has surged to Tk 2,04,243.25 crore, reflecting an increase of Tk 1,10,443.28 crore, or 117.74 per cent. This adjustment is Tk 9,741.84 crore less than the Tk 2,13,985.09 crore proposed by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited in August, after recommendations from a Project Evaluation Committee meeting.
The revised cost proposals, submitted to the Planning Commission on September 13, account for modifications in mainline construction, land development, building infrastructure, electrical and mechanical systems, utility relocation, and equipment. The MRT Line-1, a 31.24-kilometre route linking the airport with Kamalapur and featuring an elevated branch from Natun Bazar to Purbachal, now has a revised cost of Tk 1,14,394.89 crore, up from Tk 52,561.43 crore approved in 2019. The cost escalation of Tk 61,833.46 crore, or 117.64 per cent, is attributed to delays caused by the Covid pandemic and complexities in implementing the country's first underground metro rail.
Design updates include larger stations, relocated entrances, exits and ventilation shafts, a three-storey Rajarbagh station, and approximately 20 kilometres of detour roads for traffic management during construction. The MRT Line-5 Northern Route, extending 20 kilometres from Hemayetpur to Bhatara, now has a revised cost of Tk 89,848.36 crore, an increase of Tk 48,609.82 crore, or 117.88 per cent. The Hemayetpur-Amin Bazar section will be elevated, while the Amin Bazar-Bhatara section will run underground through densely populated areas. The original completion date of 2028 for this project is now proposed for December, 2032.
Among the 12 approved projects, five fall under the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, two under the Defence Ministry, two under the Railways Ministry, and one each under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, Ministry of Labour and Employment, and Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. The Road Transport and Bridges Ministry projects include "Upgrading District Highways under Rajshahi Road Zone" and "Upgrading District Highways under Chattogram Road Zone (3rd Phase)". The Defence Ministry projects focus on establishing Barishal Cantonment and constructing facilities in Khulna Naval Area.
The Rural Development and Co-operatives Ministry is responsible for the "Khulna Sewerage System Development Project", while the Railway Ministry will implement projects on electric traction and constructing a new dual-gauge railway line. The Labour and Employment Ministry project aims to improve working conditions in the textile and leather sectors. The Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry project focuses on upgrading the electricity distribution system in Monpura Island Area.
Additionally, 15 projects, each valued under Tk 50 crore, have received prior approval from the Planning Minister. These projects span various sectors, including land management automation, telecommunication network establishment, reforestation, and infrastructure development in education and sports facilities.
Ministers, State Ministers, Planning Commission members, and relevant secretaries were present during the meeting to discuss and finalize these significant infrastructure investments.