Dhaka:A Preliminary Development Project Proposal (PDPP) for the construction of a metro rail line from Gabtoli to Narayanganj is currently awaiting approval from the Economic Relations Division (ERD) to secure foreign funds.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Planning Ministry approved the PDPP in principle on September 20 for the construction of the proposed 30.40-kilometre MRT Line-2 project. Kabir Ahamed, head of the Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission, stated that the commission scrutinized the PDPP after receiving it from the ministry. The government aims to construct a metro rail line from Gabtoli to Tarabo in Narayanganj via the old part of the capital, intending to enhance the public transport system.
The proposed MRT Line-2 will be approximately 30.40 kilometres long, with sections planned to run on both elevated tracks and underground. The government plans to develop an integrated network of six metro rail lines under Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the environment in Dhaka city and its surrounding areas. The proposed route of MRT Line-2 has been expanded to include Narayanganj, following recommendations in the revised strategic transport plan.
The metro rail is set to run from Gabtoli through multiple key locations before reaching Tarabo in Narayanganj, with a sub-line proposed from Gulistan to Sadarghat via Nayabazar. The route alignment was revised to incorporate Narayanganj based on recommendations from the Updating of the Revised Strategic Transport Plan Final Report.
The proposed MRT Line-2 will have a total length of 30.40 kilometres, with 7.50 kilometres underground and 22.90 kilometres elevated. This will bring old Dhaka under the metro rail network for the first time. The government aims to launch the MRT Line-2 service by 2030, with construction starting in early 2027.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) will implement the project, with a future plan to extend the route from Narayanganj to Munshiganj. The estimated cost of the project is Tk 60,837 crore, with a significant portion expected to be financed through foreign loans. The government has sought approximately Tk 53,000 crore in loan assistance from the World Bank, and discussions are ongoing with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for financing.