BNP govt’s first Metro project heading to ECNEC soon
Representational image by AI.
Planned under the Awami League administration, the metro rail project designed to connect the western and eastern ends of Dhaka—stretching from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi via Russel Square—stalled following political shifts and the transition through the interim government. Now, that stagnation is clearing as the project moves toward official approval. If all goes smoothly, this 17-plus-kilometer project will be presented at this week's Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting, marking the BNP government's official debut in metro rail infrastructure.
Md. Moksed Ali, Joint Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, told Agamir Somoy, "The project is scheduled to be presented at the ECNEC meeting taking place in the first week of September. It is likely to receive approval during that session."
This represents the new administration's first major step regarding metro rail infrastructure. Bangladesh's metro era began in 2022, with several projects—including the Uttara-Kamalapur line—progressing under the previous government. While revised cost proposals for those older lines await approval, the current government is choosing to push forward with this new route.
Officially titled MRT Line-5 (South), the 17.20 km project carries an estimated cost of around BDT 45,500 crore, with a target completion date set for August 2033.
A Shift Back to Metro Rail
After taking office, the BNP administration initially emphasized monorails over metro systems in urban transport discussions. The Updated Revised Strategic Transport Plan (URSTP) outlined proposals for five monorail lines by 2045, leading many to wonder whether metro expansion was taking a back seat. The move to approve the Gabtoli–Dasherkandi route indicates a dual approach: advancing monorail proposals alongside continued investment in metro networks.
Route Breakdown: Underground from Gabtoli, Elevated to Dasherkandi
According to the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), MRT Line-5 (South) will run through some of Dhaka's busiest hubs:
Underground Section: 13.10 km (Gabtoli to Aftabnagar)
Elevated Section: 4.10 km (Aftabnagar Center to Dasherkandi)
Total Length: 17.20 km
Total Stations: 15 (11 underground, 4 elevated)
Stations: Gabtoli, Technical, Kallyanpur, Shyamoli, College Gate, Asad Gate, Russel Square, Karwan Bazar, Hatirjheel, Tejgaon, Aftabnagar, Aftabnagar Center, Aftabnagar East, Nasirabad, and Dasherkandi.
Once operational, the line will establish a direct, high-speed transit corridor linking western hubs like Gabtoli, Shyamoli, and Karwan Bazar directly to eastern neighborhoods through to Dasherkandi.
Government Funding to Kickstart Works
Although full loan agreements with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are still being finalized, DMTCL plans to initiate preliminary work using government funds rather than waiting for foreign loans to be fully processed.
Project Director Mohammad Abdul Wahab told Agami Shomoy, "Land acquisition will be carried out with government funds. As a result, even if it takes some time to secure the loan, starting the project work will not be a problem."
In the initial phase, necessary preparatory work including land acquisition will begin with government funding. According to DMTCL sources, land acquisition alone may take one to one and a half years. Tendering and other preparations will also be advanced during this period. After that, the main construction work will begin. However, the most difficult and time-consuming part of the project will be the construction of the underground metro tunnel.
Project Director Mohammad further added, "Tunnel construction may take about five years. For that reason, this work must be picked up at the very beginning of the project."
Uncertainty over loan, yet preparations move forward: According to those associated with the project, ADB considers Bangladesh a relatively risky country for lending. For this reason, it may take some time to finalize the loan agreement. However, there is no plan to keep the entire project on hold because of this.
The strategy is to first start the preliminary work of the project with government funds, and then advance the foreign loan agreement based on the progress of the work.
Meanwhile, the tendering process for various packages of the project has advanced significantly. According to the latest information from DMTCL, the final tender documents for the first four contract packages have been prepared and submitted to DMTCL, and concurrence has also been received from ADB.
The final tender documents for CP-1 and CP-2 were submitted to DMTCL on January 28. Later, when sent for ADB's concurrence, approval was received for both packages on May 10. The document submission and ADB concurrence process for CP-3 and CP-4 have also been completed.
On the other hand, the review of tender documents for CP-6 and CP-7 is underway. The consulting firm ESO-JV prepared these documents and submitted them to the project office. Later, ADB concurred regarding the availability of the documents. Now, SFS, a consulting firm appointed by Korea Eximbank, is reviewing them to prepare the final report.
The final tender documents for CP-8 and CP-9 have also been prepared. After submitting the documents in May 2025, ADB confirmed their receipt in October. Currently, the consulting firm of Korea Eximbank is reviewing these documents.
Big project, big challenges: The Gabtoli-Dasherkandi corridor is not just another metro rail route; it can create a crucial connection in Dhaka's public transport system. Especially since the section of over 13 kilometers from Gabtoli to Aftabnagar is underground, a major new public transport corridor will be built with relatively less impact on the city's surface road system.
However, alongside these benefits come major challenges. Constructing the underground section's tunnel, acquiring land, arranging huge funds, securing foreign loans, and finishing construction work on time—all together, implementing the project will not be easy.
Still, if approved by ECNEC, the first stage of a long wait will begin. First, soil and paperwork; then, the tunnel. And if all plans proceed smoothly, Dhaka's new metro rail corridor will connect Gabtoli to Dasherkandi via Russell Square by August 2033.
