The first phase of Bangladesh’s first metro rail project between Uttara and Agargaon is now visible as the last viaduct of this part was installed on Sunday.
The last viaduct was installed in between pier no 375 and 376 at around 11:20am. So, 11.73km viaduct of the elevated metro rail is now visible while 8.72km track installation is also done. Total length of the project is 21.70km from Uttara to Kamalapur.
MAN Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the implementing agency of the project, and other officials were present on the occasion.
“This is a very happy moment for us,” MAN Siddique told reporters.
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The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT line-6) is scheduled to open in 2024; however, the authorities are trying for an early commission.
MAN Siddique said: “Apart from the viaduct, some other components of the project like coach, electrical and mechanical system all should function simultaneously to operate the metro rail. So, once we get the coaches in April, then we will take the decision of trial run first and then the full operation.”
Planning Minister MA Mannan recently said the first phase – Uttara to Agargaon – of metro rail is likely to be operational in December this year.
According to the DMTCL, progress of the first phase of the project stands at 81.38% until February 25. The progress of collecting coaches and equipment is at around 50%.
There are nine stations between Uttara Diabari to Agargaon with a progress of 77.50%. Uttara North, Uttara Centre, Uttara South and Pallabi station are almost done. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work is in progress in these stations.
“Five sets of coaches are manufactured in Japan. A third party inspection team already cleared the quality. The first train set will be shipped from Kobe port in Japan on March 1 and likely arrived at Mongla port on April 13,” said MAN Siddique.
The Tk22,000 crore project is being implemented to build the 20.10km elevated metro rail from Uttara to Motijheel.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed officials to further extend the metro line from Motijheel to Kamalapur. The length of the line will then be 21.70km.
According to DMTCL, construction work of the second phase of the project between Agargaon and Kamalapur is progressing simultaneously.
