Dhaka:Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has finalized contracts with Japanese and Indian companies for the construction of four packages of the country's first underground metro rail, MRT Line-1, along the Airport-Kamalapur corridor.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the contract-signing ceremony took place at the DMTCL conference room, attended by Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque as the chief guest. Secretary Haque emphasized the government's commitment to reducing traffic congestion, cutting travel time, and enhancing public transport services in the capital through the expansion of the metro rail network.
The MRT Line-1 project, a significant step towards modernizing Dhaka's public transport, will be implemented through four main contract packages. Contract Package CP-04 involves constructing a 4.447-kilometre underground section from Rampura Underground Station to Notun Bazar Station. Contract Package CP-06 will cover the construction of a 5.182-kilometre underground section from Nadda Underground Station to Airport Station. Contract Package CP-09 focuses on installing track infrastructure and electrical systems, while Contract Package CP-10 involves the installation of signalling and telecommunication systems.
This initiative, jointly financed by the Government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to address Dhaka's growing transport demand and support a safe, reliable, and environment-friendly public transport system. Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, attending the ceremony as a special guest, expressed Japan's ongoing support and commitment to Bangladesh's infrastructure development.