Four package contracts signed for MRT Line-1, the capital's first underground metro rail

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has signed contracts for four packages to build MRT Line-1, the capital's first underground metro rail. Under these packages, around 9.63 kilometres of underground rail line and stations will be built, alongside the installation of track, power, signalling and telecommunications systems.

The contracts were signed on Wednesday at a ceremony held at the Metro Rail building in Diabari, Uttara, in the capital. The project is being implemented with joint financing from the Government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Under the contracts, the CP-4 package will build 4.447 kilometres of underground rail line from the northern end of Rampura underground station to Natun Bazar station. Under the CP-6 package, construction of 5.182 kilometres of underground rail line from the northern end of Nadda station to Airport station is already under way.

In addition, the CP-9 package will install rail lines, track including turnouts, and electrical infrastructure. The CP-10 package covers automatic train control, signalling and telecommunications systems, platform screen doors and an enterprise resource management system.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque said easing the capital's traffic congestion and ensuring modern public transport services for citizens are among the government's top priorities. He said implementing MRT Line-1 will open a new horizon in the capital's public transport system.

He directed that the project be completed on schedule while ensuring the highest safety and quality standards in construction. Mohammad Ziaul Haque also called for importance to be given to not prolonging public suffering because of construction work, to environmental protection, and to the welfare of residents around the project area.

At the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi thanked the Government of Bangladesh for the initiative to restart and accelerate implementation of the metro rail project. He said Japan's cooperation in Bangladesh's infrastructure development will continue in the future. JICA Bangladesh Office Chief Representative Takahashi Junko and other concerned officials were present at the time.