Now focus is on linking Old Dhaka with metro

MRT-2 route plan has a branch line from Gulistan extended to Sadarghat

The Planning Commission is considering moving forward with MRT Line-2 instead of MRT Line-5 Southern Route to serve the densely populated Old Dhaka.

The MRT-5 Southern Route would link Gabtoli to Dasherkandi, while the Line-2 would link Gabtoli to Narayanganj with a branch through Old Dhaka to Sadarghat. 

The new route is expected to serve a much larger urban population and thus address critical transit needs in key areas of the city.

According to planning officials, in addition to constructing MRT-2, several other proposals are under consideration. 

These include the possibility of scrapping the MRT Line-5 project entirely or only implementing certain sections of the route, they said.

These proposals were developed at the directive of the planning adviser, they said, adding that the government will review them before giving any approval. 

The MRT-5 is still under review by the commission, awaiting final approval, said the officials.

According to the commission, none of the current metro projects connect Old Dhaka, but MRT Line-2 would address this gap by linking Gabtoli through Old Dhaka to Narayanganj, thereby serving a densely populated area. 

Besides, the Dasherkandi route of MRT-5 lacks significant commercial activity, prompting the commission to prioritise MRT Line-2 for its greater economic impact.

MRT Line-2’s main route would span from Gabtoli through areas like Dhaka Uddyan, Mohammadpur, Jhigatola, Science Laboratory, New Market, Azimpur, Palashi, Dhaka Medical College, Gulistan, Motijheel, Kamalapur, Manda, Dakhingaon, Dhamripara, Signboard, Bhuighar, Jalkuri, eventually connecting to Narayanganj. 

A branch line from Gulistan would extend to Sadarghat, although the feasibility study for this route is yet to be completed.

According to the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the construction of the 35km MRT Line-2 is estimated to cost Tk60,837 crore, with final costs to be determined after the feasibility study.

In April, the Planning Commission held a review meeting on the DPP (Development Project Proposal) regarding MRT Line-5 (Southern Route). 

The 17.2km route from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi is expected to cost Tk54,618 crore, with the Asian Development Bank and South Korea agreeing to finance Tk39,138 crore. The remaining Tk15,481 crore is expected to come from the government.

One alternative proposal suggests dropping the Gabtoli to Karwan Bazar section of MRT-5 Southern Route while adding a branch line from MRT-2 to Bijoy Sarani. 

Another proposal involves constructing only the Karwan Bazar to Dasherkandi portion, while another alternative suggests scrapping the entire MRT-5 Southern Route project for now and reconsidering it when economic conditions improve.