The Planning Commission is prioritising the advancement of the MRT Line-2 Narayanganj route over MRT Line-5 (Southern Route) to expedite metro rail connectivity to the densely populated Puran Dhaka.
MRT Line-5 was initially planned to run from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi in Dhaka. However, the proposed MRT Line-2 would run from Gabtoli through Mohammadpur Bus Stand, Dhanmondi, New Market, Gulistan, and Motijheel to Narayanganj.
A branch from Gulistan to Sadarghat would link Puran Dhaka to the metro system. Authorities believe this new route would serve a larger population.
Planning Commission officials have indicated that, along with MRT Line-2, several other metro routes are being evaluated.
They also hinted that the MRT Line-5 project could either be partially implemented or completely cancelled.
These new proposals have been prepared following instructions from the planning adviser and will be reviewed by the government before final approval.
An official from the Planning Commission said: "The issue of MRT Line-5 is still under review, and further action will be taken based on the government's instructions."
According to the Planning Commission, none of the ongoing metro rail projects currently connect to Puran Dhaka. However, if the MRT Line-2 route is implemented, it will link Puran Dhaka with Gabtoli and Narayanganj.
Authorities argue that the Dasherkandi route of MRT Line-5 lacks significant commercial activity, whereas MRT Line-2 could serve more people and business hubs.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) estimates that the construction of the 35-km MRT Line-2 will cost approximately Tk60,837 crore.
In April, the Planning Commission held a review meeting regarding the MRT Line-5 project. The estimated cost for constructing the 17.2-km route from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi is Tk54,618 crore.
The Asian Development Bank and South Korea have committed Tk39,138 crore in funding, with the remaining Tk15,481 crore expected to come from the government.
One alternative proposal suggests scrapping the Gabtoli to Kawran Bazar section of MRT Line-2 and adding a branch line to Bijoy Sarani.
Another proposal recommends building MRT Line-5 from Kawran Bazar to Dasherkandi, or delaying the entire MRT Line-5 project until economic conditions improve.
