Desk Report:
Another significant advancement has been achieved in the expansion of the metro rail network, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the capital, Dhaka, reducing travel time, and establishing a modern, safe, and eco-friendly public transport system. To this end, construction contracts for four key packages under MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (Northern Route)—both managed by the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL)—have been signed.
The agreements were signed on Tuesday afternoon (October 27, 2026) at a ceremony held in the conference room of the Metro Rail Bhaban, located at the MRT Line-6 depot area in Diabari, Uttara. These contracts will play a crucial role in the infrastructure development of the two projects, which are being implemented through joint funding from the Government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, attended the event as the chief guest. Md. Shawgatul Alam, Managing Director of DMTCL, delivered the welcome address, while Kabir Ahmad, a member (Acting Secretary) of the Planning Commission, was present as a special guest. Representatives from the Embassy of Japan, JICA, project officials, consulting firms, and the contracting companies were also in attendance.
In his remarks, Chief Guest Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque stated that easing traffic congestion in the capital and reducing travel time are among the top priorities of the current government. He noted that the metro rail network is being expanded to build a modern, safe, and environmentally friendly public transport system. He further emphasized that there can be no compromise regarding safety and quality standards during construction. Additionally, he stressed the importance of completing the projects within the stipulated timeframe to ensure that the daily hardships faced by the public are not prolonged. The Road Transport and Highways Secretary further stated that the environmental impact of the construction work and the well-being of the people living in the vicinity of the project area must be given serious consideration. He also emphasized the need to ensure effective coordination and communication among the implementing authority, engineers, and contractors. He expressed hope that, through the collective efforts of all stakeholders, it would be possible to develop a modern, efficient, and comfortable public transport network for the residents of Dhaka.
Scope of work under the four signed contract packages:
- MRT Line-1: Contract Package CP-02 (Depot civil and building construction works) – This package includes the construction of 49 modern facilities for the MRT Line-1 depot, such as workshops, stabling sheds, and an operations management center. A contract for this work has been signed with ‘SINOHYDRO-SEBCL JV’.
- MRT Line-1: Contract Package CP-07 (Construction of viaducts and stations) – This package entails the construction of a 5.007-kilometer viaduct—stretching from the transition point (where the line moves from underground to an elevated section) to the Balu River—along with three elevated stations (Joar Sahara, Boalia, and Mastul). The contract for this work has been signed with ‘CREC-MIL-MBEC JV’.
- MRT Line-5 (Northern Route): Contract Package CP-02 (Depot civil and building construction works) – Under this contract, civil works for the MRT Line-5 (Northern Route) depot will be carried out, including the construction of administrative buildings (OCC, DCC), a stabling yard, a warehouse, and workshop sheds. A contract for this work has been executed with ‘CPC-HANIL JV’.
- MRT Line-5 (Northern Route): Under Contract Package CP-03 (construction of viaducts and stations), a total of 6.50 kilometers of elevated railway line will be built—stretching from Hemayetpur to Amin Bazar and from Natun Bazar to Bhatara. Additionally, five elevated stations—Hemayetpur, Baliapur, Bilamalia, Amin Bazar, and Bhatara—will be constructed. The contract for this work has been signed with ‘CREC-MIL-MBEC JV’.
The implementation of these four construction packages will mark significant progress in expanding the capital’s public transport infrastructure. Simultaneously, this will further the initiative to address Dhaka’s growing travel demands, alleviate traffic congestion, and establish a safe, reliable, and eco-friendly public transport system for its citizens.
