Dhaka: State Minister for Planning Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki today emphasized the need for more metro rail lines in Dhaka and its surrounding areas to cater to the growing demand for public transport and enhance urban mobility. He addressed journalists at the NEC Conference Room in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area following an ECNEC meeting.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was chaired by ECNEC Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Planning Division Secretary SM Shakil Akhter was also present at the briefing. The state minister highlighted the necessity for expanding metro rail services to other major cities as urbanization and the need for modern public transport continue to rise.
Saki mentioned that Bangladesh needs to develop its own institutional and technical capacity in metro rail construction due to the practical experience gained from operating its first metro rail system. He noted the importance of technology transfer in future projects to gradually reduce reliance on foreign expertise.
Addressing questions on the cost of MRT Line-5 Southern Route compared to other metro rail projects, Saki cited factors such as project scope, underground construction, detailed design, financing conditions, exchange rates, inflation, and taxes as contributors to variations in project costs. He clarified that no consultancy contract had been awarded yet, and the project was still in the approval stage.
Regarding the interest rate increase in Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) financing, Saki explained that delays in decision-making on Japan-funded projects affected financing terms. He assured that the government negotiated terms in the national interest.
Saki refuted claims of international pressure influencing project approvals, asserting that proposals underwent the Planning Commission's scrutiny process. He also addressed the large cost increases in ongoing metro rail projects, attributing them to changes in work scope identified during detailed design phases.
The state minister outlined government efforts to prevent cost escalation by reviewing project preparation processes, amending implementation guidelines, and strengthening scrutiny of feasibility studies and cost estimates. He emphasized that government agencies with technical capacity should undertake relevant work instead of relying on separate consultancy funds.
Saki also addressed concerns over the quality and safety of existing metro rail infrastructure, stating that the government had taken steps to investigate reported technical problems. He assured accountability for any negligence or corruption and stressed the importance of quality, maintenance, and safety in future contracts.
Lastly, Saki mentioned the government's commitment to prioritizing renewable energy in public infrastructure projects, aiming for long-term benefits through improved mobility, reduced travel time, higher productivity, and better value for money.