The proposed metro rail route through the Dhaka University will not to be changed, the project director has said.
However, the project authority will use modern technology to ensure that noise pollution and vibration are minimised on the DU campus and near hospitals and the parliament.
“There is no possibility to change the route as it was chalked out after discussions with the Dhaka University authorities since January 2011. After getting the university authority’s approval, we have conducted a number of surveys in the area [campus]; so now it is not possible to change the entire plan again. Besides, we already have several pre-qualification tenders as well,” said Metro Rail Project Director Md Mofazzel Hossain.
Speaking at a press briefing in the office of Dhaka Mass Transit Company yesterday, Mofazzel said: “If the DU teachers and students had raised their voice during the approval period, it might have been possible to turn the route through Shahbagh, Matsha Bhaban areas.
“In that case, there would have been a need to demolish several infrastructures including the Birdem hospital, because metro rail does not turn at a 90 degree angle like a bus. Metro rail needs 200 meter radius for turning, which was not found in Matsha Bhaban and Shahbagh areas.”
Responding to claims that the rail would damage historical sculptures and ruin the atmosphere for education, he said: “Noise pollution cannot be caused by the system as we will use special technology to check it.
“Moreover, we will be careful so that the beauty of any historical or important establishment is not destroyed.”
DU students have been protesting against the proposed route claiming it would change the face of the campus and disrupt their studies.
Nurul Islam, a safeguard expert of the project, said: “The existing noise volumes of DU library, TSC and Doyel intersection are 67.5, 70 and 68.2 decibels respectively. The metro rail will create 61.9, 61.1 and 56.5 decibels in those places, which are lower than the existing noise volumes.
“We will also use Mass Spring System (MSS), Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) and noise barrier to minimise noise and vibration,” Nurul added.
“But we will use MSS and CWR technologies for 6.15km area near university, hospital and parliament house, because the technology is more expensive. But the total 20km track will be under noise barrier.
“The track will be built with at least 17 feet space from any infrastructure including Raju sculpture. The vibration of metro rail will not affect any infrastructure,” the safety expert added.