Dhaka Metro Rail resumes operations amid political controversies and infrastructure challenges
Quader claimed project will take one year with a repair bill of over 300 crores to restore service
Special Report :
Dhaka Metro Rail is set to resume operations tomorrow, following significant disruptions caused by the vandalism of several stations, allegedly by groups associated with private bus service operators. Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan had assured on August 17, 2024, that it would take a maximum of seven days to resume the metro rail service. True to his word, the metro is back on track, although some key stations remain inoperable due to severe damage.
While the metro rail will restart its services, Mirpur-10 and Kazipara stations will remain closed. Test runs of the metro rail system have been conducted since Tuesday to assess overall safety and functionality, but these stations require much longer repair periods.
Former Road Transport and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader who is absconding after the mass killing of students by Sheikh Hasina’s regime, stated that it would take a year to fix the MRT and associated repair costs would be very high.
The Dhaka Metro Rail project, known as MRT Line-6, is not only a critical component of the city’s transport infrastructure but also one of the most expensive metro rail projects in the region. The total cost of the 21.26-kilometer line from Uttara to Kamalapur stands at approximately $2.8 billion. This translates to a staggering cost of Tk 15.74 billion (over $140 million) per kilometer. It is important to note that the MRT won’t generate any USD to repay the foreign debt financed by JICA.
Cost Comparisons of Similar MRT Projects in the Region
• India (Delhi Metro): The third phase of the Delhi Metro Rail, which began in 2015, had a construction cost of INR 2.21 billion (approximately Tk 2.92 billion) per kilometer for the elevated section.
• Pakistan (Lahore Metro): The Lahore Metro, funded by China, had a construction cost of Tk 6.71 billion per kilometer for its 27-kilometer elevated line.
• Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya Metro): Malaysia’s metro rail project, undertaken in 2017, had a cost of Tk 12.76 billion per kilometer for its 58-kilometer stretch.
• China (Kunming Metro): The Kunming Metro, a 34-kilometer line completed in 2012, had a per-kilometer cost of Tk 14.55 billion.
These cost comparisons have raised concerns among analysts and critics who argue that the project’s financial burden on the country may outweigh its benefits, particularly considering the long recovery period. According to estimates, it will take at least 45 years to recover the construction costs of the metro rail, relying solely on ticket sales.
The Dhaka Metro Rail project, funded primarily by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), features equipment from top Japanese manufacturers. The rolling stock, or train cars, are supplied by the Kawasaki-Mitsubishi Consortium, which includes Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Corporation. These train cars were built in Japan and feature energy-efficient, lightweight aluminum bodies, along with advanced propulsion systems and modern amenities such as air conditioning, digital displays, and automated announcements.
In addition to the rolling stock, other essential equipment for the metro rail system was also sourced from Japanese companies. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries supplied the terminal station equipment, including automatic fare collection systems, platform screen doors, and advanced signaling systems. Hitachi Rail and Kawasaki Heavy Industries contributed to the installation of escalators, elevators, and safety systems within the stations.