MRT Line-2 PDPP to seek foreign funding for Gabtoli-Tarabo route
The government is moving to secure foreign financing for MRT Line-2, a proposed 23.50-kilometre metro rail connecting Gabtoli with Tarabo in Narayanganj through Old Dhaka, with construction targeted to begin in early 2027.
The Preliminary Development Project Proposal (PDPP) will now be sent to the Economic Relations Division (ERD) after scrutiny by the Planning Commission, said Kabir Ahamed, head of the commission’s Physical Infrastructure.
“A meeting was held at the Planning Commission regarding the implementation of the project, and the PDPP for MRT Line-2, aimed at connecting Narayanganj, will be sent to the ERD,” Kabir Ahamed told BSS on Sunday.
He said the commission had scrutinised the PDPP after receiving it from the ministry and would now forward the proposal to the ERD to secure foreign financing.
The government plans to develop the route as a new addition to Dhaka’s public transport network, linking several densely populated areas of the capital with Narayanganj.
A major feature of the proposed project is that Old Dhaka would come under the metro rail network for the first time.
The route would start from Gabtoli and pass through Dhaka Udyan, Basila Mor, Mohammadpur BRTC Bus Stand, Jigatola, Science Lab, New Market, Azimpur, Lalbagh, Chawk Bazar, Mitford, Nayabazar, Dholai Khal, Dayaganj, Kaptanbazar and Demra, before reaching Tarabo in Narayanganj.
A sub-line from Gulistan to Sadarghat via Nayabazar has also been proposed.
The project details state that part of the line would be elevated, while another section would run underground.
The estimated cost of MRT Line-2 has been set at Tk 60,837 crore, with a major portion expected to come from foreign loans.
The government has sought around Tk 53,000 crore in loan assistance from the World Bank, while discussions are also underway with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for financing.
The government has set a target of launching MRT Line-2 services by 2030, with construction work scheduled to begin in early 2027.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) will implement the project.
A future plan also envisages extending the metro route from Narayanganj to Munshiganj.
The proposed line, covering 23.50 kilometres and 24 stations, is expected to create a direct metro connection between parts of Dhaka’s old and newer areas and Narayanganj.
