Metro network expansion gains momentum

The government is pressing ahead with the expansion of Dhaka’s metro rail system, advancing construction and planning work on five new Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve transport services across the capital and surrounding areas.

Presenting the national budget on June 11, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury told parliament that construction of MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (Northern Route) is progressing following the launch of MRT Line-6.

He also said planning activities for MRT Line-5 (Southern Route), MRT Line-2 and MRT Line-4 are moving forward.

“A strong metro rail network comprising six MRT lines is being developed to reduce traffic congestion and improve the urban environment in Dhaka and its surrounding areas,” Khosru said in his budget speech.

He added that the government has adopted short-, medium- and long-term transport sector development plans to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to information from the ministry, implementation work is continuing on MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (Northern Route), while preparatory activities are underway for MRT Line-5 (Southern Route), MRT Line-2 and MRT Line-4.

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) is constructing MRT Line-1, the country’s first underground metro rail line.

The route will run from the airport to Kamalapur and provide a connection to Purbachal New Town.

The 31.241-kilometre project consists of two sections and is being executed through 12 construction packages.

DMTCL said MRT Line-2 will span 23.50 kilometres and follow the Gabtoli-Dhaka Udyan-Basila Intersection-Mohammadpur-BRTC Bus Stand-Jhigatala-Science Lab-New Market-Azimpur-Lalbagh-Chakbazar-Mitford-Nayabazar-Dholaikhal-Dayaganj-Kajla-Demra-Tarabo Bus Stand corridor.

Regarding MRT Line-4, DMTCL said the feasibility study report for the proposed 16-kilometre rail line linking Kamalapur and Madanpur in Narayanganj has been submitted through a consultant firm to the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank), the project’s development partner.

The company previously held a feasibility study meeting on December 17, 2025.

According to DMTCL sources, MRT Line-5 (Northern Route), extending from Hemayetpur to Vatara, is expected to begin operations by 2028.

The 20-kilometre line will include 13.50 kilometres of underground track and 6.50 kilometres of elevated track.

The route will feature 14 stations, comprising nine underground and five elevated stations.

Officials said the feasibility study, basic design, detailed design and related surveys have already been completed. The project is being carried out under 10 implementation packages.

Meanwhile, MRT Line-5 (Southern Route) is planned as a 17.20-kilometre corridor between Gabtoli and Dasherkandi.

Of the total length, 13.10 kilometres from Gabtoli to Aftab Nagar West will be underground, while the remaining 4.10 kilometres from Aftab Nagar to Dasherkandi will be elevated.

The southern route is scheduled for completion by 2030 and will include 15 stations, of which 11 will be underground and four elevated.

DMTCL said the feasibility study has been completed, the Detailed Engineering Design (DE) is under review, and procurement documents are being prepared.

In addition to the metro projects, authorities plan to establish a monorail-based feeder network linking metro rail terminals with various destinations.

The initiative is intended to provide faster and smoother connections for passengers and enhance the overall efficiency of the urban transport system.