Construction contracts for four packages under the MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (Northern Route) projects were signed today to accelerate the expansion of Dhaka's metro rail network.
The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) signed the agreements with the selected contractors at a ceremony held at the conference room of the MRT Line-6 depot in Diabari, Uttara.
The projects are being implemented with joint financing from the government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ziaul Haque said easing traffic congestion and reducing travel time in the capital were among the government's major priorities.
He said the expansion of the metro rail network was aimed at developing a modern, safe and environment-friendly public transport system.
One of the contracts covers depot civil and building works under MRT Line-1, involving the construction of 49 modern facilities, including a workshop, shed and Operations Management Centre. The contract was awarded to SINOHYDRO-SEBCL JV.
Another agreement, signed with CREC-MIL-MBEC JV, covers the construction of a 5.007-kilometre viaduct and three elevated stations at Joar Sahara, Boalia and Mastul under Package 7. The work also includes a transition point between the underground and elevated sections near the Balu River.
The third contract, awarded to CPC-HANIL JV, covers civil and building works at the MRT Line-5 (Northern Route) depot. The facilities will include administrative buildings housing the Operations Control Centre (OCC) and Depot Control Centre (DCC), a stabling yard, warehouse and workshop shed.
The fourth agreement, signed with CREC-MIL-MBEC JV, involves the construction of 6.50 kilometres of elevated railway along the Hemayetpur-Amin Bazar and Notun Bazar-Bhatara sections. The package also includes five elevated stations at Hemayetpur, Baliarpur, Bilamalia, Amin Bazar and Bhatara.
The implementation of the four packages is expected to advance the development of Dhaka's mass transit infrastructure and improve public transport connectivity in the capital.
DMTCL Managing Director Md Shauogatul Alam delivered the welcome address, while Planning Commission Member Kabir Ahmed attended the ceremony as a special guest.
Representatives of the Japanese Embassy, JICA, project officials, consultants and contracting companies were also present at the event.