Construction of Dhaka Metro Rail-5 Suspended

The construction of Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project, Line-5 (MRT-5 South Line) will not commence during the interim government’s tenure. Neither the government nor the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the primary lender, is currently showing interest in this large-scale project. A proposal to reduce costs by Tk 7,500 crore has not been implemented, and the restructured project proposal (DPP) has yet to be presented to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) by the Planning Commission.

Officials from the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission have stated that it is unlikely the project will be implemented under the current government.

The metro line was planned to run from Gabtoli to Aftabnagar and onwards to Dasherkandi, with construction originally scheduled to begin last year. The feasibility study and design were completed in 2022, at a cost of Tk 200 crore. Following Planning Commission review, the project was to be submitted for ECNEC approval, but approval was delayed after the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August last year.

After the formation of the interim government, Planning Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud Baro sought the Commission’s opinion on several high-profile projects. The Planning Commission has observed that the MRT-5 route is not advantageous for service provision and was designed during the previous government to benefit a particular group. Additionally, the construction costs were overestimated. Consequently, the Commission returned the DPP to the RoadTransport and Highways Division for further verification.

The Road Transport Division resubmitted the restructured DPP to the Commission months ago, proposing a Tk 7,500 crore reduction in costs without altering the route. The Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) reviewed it, and it was sent to the Planning Commission’s Administration Division two months ago, but it has not yet been forwarded to ECNEC due to lack of government approval.

Officials from the ERD’s ADB Wing stated that while the ADB is currently reluctant to provide a large loan, it has not completely refused. The government is also unable to commit to significant borrowing, making it unlikely that construction will start during the current government’s tenure.

Public transport expert and BUET Professor Dr Hadiuzzaman emphasised that MRT is a major investment project. Route planning must consider passenger service demand, socio-economic factors, and commercial interests.

The planned MRT-5 route includes 15 stations from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi. The project proposal was submitted to the Planning Commission in March.

Project Director Brigadier General (Retd.) Mohammad Abdul Wahab highlighted: “Project implementation depends on government policy decisions. MRT-5 is essential to improve urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion. Postponing the project will deprive citizens of vital services and render the Tk 200 crore already spent a sunk cost. Interest on loans will also need to be paid.”

A study estimates that MRT-5 usage could save 2,149.7 million work hours annually, reduce fuel consumption by 41.22 thousand tonnes, and remove 1,049 vehicles from the roads each day, alleviating urban traffic congestion.