Dhaka: The revised development project proposal (DPP) for the construction of the Metro Line-5 (South) route from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi is poised to receive approval soon, according to an official. This significant step forward will involve the proposal being submitted to the planning commission this week, marking a crucial advancement in the project.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Project Director of the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-5) Southern Route, retired Brigadier General Md Abdul Wohab, confirmed that all necessary preparations have been completed. He stated that the DPP would be sent to the road transport and bridges ministry imminently, aligning with the Prime Minister's desire to expedite the construction of the metro rail. Bid documents have been prepared, and the bidding process is currently underway.
The project details outline a 37.20 km MRT-5 encompassing two routes: one from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi (southern route) and another from Hemayetpur to Bhatara (northern route). Authorities are diligently preparing bid documents in accordance with procurement procedures to facilitate project implementation.
As reported, land development work for the Metro Rail Line-5 depot at Hemayetpur was 59.37 percent complete as of July. The 17.40 km southern route features a 13.10 km underground line from Gabtoli to Aftab Nagar West and a 4.10 km elevated line from Aftab Nagar Centre to Dasherkandi, including 11 underground and 4 elevated stations.
The construction of MRT-5 began on November 4, 2023, with completion slated for 2030. Upon completion, the line will connect Gabtoli and Dasherkandi, reducing travel time between these points to just 28 minutes. It is projected to serve approximately 924,000 passengers daily, with each train having a capacity of 2,312 passengers.
The route will traverse key locations such as Gabtoli, Technical, Kallyanpur, Shyamoli, College Gate, Asad Gate, Shukrabad, Karwan Bazar, Hatirjheel, Tejgaon, Aftabnagar Central, Aftabnagar East, Nasirabad, culminating at Dasherkandi. The project cost has been revised downward from Tk 55,000 crore to Tk 46,645 crore, with significant funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and South Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
Experts anticipate that the project will significantly alleviate traffic congestion along Dhaka's east-west corridor, conserve millions of working hours, and notably reduce carbon emissions.