Dhaka Metro Rail History

Dhaka Metro Rail History

The Dhaka Metro Rail, officially known as the **Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)**, is a landmark project in Bangladesh aimed at addressing the capital city Dhaka's severe traffic congestion and improving urban mobility. The metro rail has been a significant component of the country's broader infrastructure development goals. Here's an overview of its history and evolution:

Background and Planning:

1. Early Traffic Concerns:

Dhaka, with a rapidly growing population (over 20 million residents), has long faced severe traffic congestion. The city's infrastructure struggled to keep pace with urbanization, and the growing number of vehicles led to traffic jams that became a daily challenge for its residents. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the idea of a metro rail system was proposed as a solution to these traffic problems.

2. Initial Planning:

In 2012, the Bangladesh government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, initiated formal plans for constructing a metro rail system. The plan was primarily driven by the need to enhance public transportation options in Dhaka and reduce both traffic congestion and environmental pollution. The project was conceptualized as part of the country's **Strategic Transport Plan (STP)** for Dhaka.

3. Collaboration and Funding:

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) played a key role in funding and supporting the project. In 2013, JICA signed an agreement with the Bangladesh government to provide a concessional loan for the construction of the metro rail. The project was a collaborative effort between the Government of Bangladesh** and JICA, which also provided technical expertise and support.

Development and Construction:

1. Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL):

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited was established in 2013 to oversee and manage the metro rail project. The company was tasked with the planning, implementation, and operation of the system.

2. Line-6 (First Phase):

The Dhaka Metro Rail Line-6, the first metro line under the project, is the most significant phase. This line connects Uttara in the north of Dhaka to Motijheel in the south, covering approximately 20.1 km with 16 stations. The construction of Line-6 began in 2016, with the first phase (from Uttara to Agargaon) targeted for completion by 2021. However, due to delays, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project timeline was adjusted.

3. Construction Milestones:

2016: Groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Line-6.

2017-2018: Significant progress was made in laying the elevated track and constructing stations.

2020: Test runs began on certain sections, marking a significant achievement in the project's timeline.

4. Challenges:

The construction of the Dhaka Metro Rail faced challenges, including land acquisition issues, delays caused by environmental concerns, and disruption due to the pandemic. Despite these setbacks, the government remained committed to completing the project.

Inauguration and Operation:

1. 2022 Inauguration:

The first section of Line-6, from Uttara to Agargaon, was inaugurated on December 28, 2022 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This was a historic event for Bangladesh, marking the country's entry into the world of modern rapid transit systems.

2. Gradual Opening:

Initially, the metro rail operated between Uttara North and Agargaon. Over time, the remaining sections of Line-6 are expected to become operational, extending the service to Motijheel.

Future Expansion:

The Dhaka Metro Rail system is planned to expand beyond Line-6, with additional lines (such as Line-1, Line-2, and Line-5) under consideration. The future metro lines aim to cover various parts of Dhaka and surrounding areas, improving the overall urban transport infrastructure.

Impact:

The metro rail system is expected to revolutionize Dhaka's public transport landscape by providing a fast, reliable, and environment-friendly mode of transportation. It is also expected to reduce the time spent in traffic, improve air quality, and contribute to the economic growth of the city.

The Dhaka Metro Rail is a significant step toward modernizing the city’s transportation infrastructure and represents Bangladesh's ambition to meet the demands of its rapidly growing urban population.