The Planning Commission is considering a decision to reshape the metro rail route to quickly connect the densely populated Puran Dhaka.
Instead of the previously planned MRT Line-5 Southern Route, the commission is now considering MRT Line-2 as an alternative.
MRT Line-5 will run from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi, while MRT Line-2 will extend from Gabtoli to Narayanganj, passing through Mohammadpur bus stand, Dhanmondi, New Market, Gulistan, and Motijheel.
A branch line from Gulistan to Sadarghat will connect Puran Dhaka to MRT Line-2, which is expected to serve a large population.
Puran Dhaka to get priority in metro rail connectionOfficials from the Planning Commission have stated that, alongside the construction of MRT Line-2, several other routes are under consideration. There are indications that the MRT Line-5 project may be completely canceled, or only parts of it may be implemented.
They noted that these new proposals were developed under the guidance of planning advisers, and any project will undergo government review before approval.
According to a Planning Commission official, discussions regarding MRT Line-5 are still ongoing, and further steps will be taken based on directives.
Priority given to Puran Dhaka
The Planning Commission has indicated that none of the current metro rail projects connect to Puran Dhaka.
However, the connection of MRT Line-2 from Gabtoli to Narayanganj will establish a link with Puran Dhaka.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has estimated that constructing the 35-kilometre MRT Line-2 will cost approximately Tk60,837 crore.
In April, the Planning Commission held a review meeting to advance the MRT Line-5 project.
According to the meeting, the construction of the 17.2-kilometre route from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi will cost Tk54,618 crore.
The Asian Development Bank and South Korea have agreed to fund Tk39,138 crore, while the remaining Tk15,481 crore is expected to be sourced from the government.
An alternative proposal suggests omitting the Gabtoli to Karwan Bazar section of MRT Line-2, while recommending the addition of a branch line at Bijoy Sarani.
One proposal for MRT Line-5 is to construct it from Kawran Bazar to Dasherkandi, while another suggests canceling the entire MRT Line-5 project for now and reconsidering it once the economic situation improves.
