Adviser: Metro rail to be declared as KPI

The interim government is moving to declare the metro rail as a Key Point Installation (KPI) to prevent vandalism and ensure its security.

Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan announced this during a briefing at the metro rail Secretariat station on Sunday.

The metro rail had been closed for 37 days due to violence during recent protests. The service resumed on Sunday, with Fouzul arriving at the Secretariat station from Agargaon that morning.

"We are working to designate the metro rail as a KPI to prevent future vandalism and enhance its security," Fouzul said. "Declaring it an essential service will help protect it from disruptions like the ones we've recently experienced."

• Metro rail resumes service after 37 days

When asked about actions against those responsible for the vandalism, the road adviser emphasized that the protestors' actions were criminal. "Those who engage in such acts cannot change the country. We have video footage of the incidents, and appropriate measures will be taken," he said.

Describing the interim government as a "government of the people's expectations," Fouzul highlighted that restarting the metro rail was a top priority.

"After my appointment, the chief adviser emphasized that my first task would be to get the metro rail operational again, and we have done that," he added.

He also mentioned that the metro rail board had to be reorganized, with board meetings held to address various demands.

"It was initially planned to launch on August 17, but some officials delayed it, which was a significant mistake. Holding 300,000 passengers hostage to push through demands is unacceptable," he added.

Regarding the launch of other metro rail lines, Fouzul said: "We discussed this with metro rail officials three to four days ago. We're working on it. The Japanese ambassador is meeting me this afternoon, and we will also discuss the Kazipara and Mirpur 10 stations. I've asked the managing director of metro rail to assess the damage and provide a timeline for repairs."