Staff Correspondent

The expansion of Dhaka’s mass rapid transit network marked a significant milestone on Tuesday with the official signing of four critical construction contracts for MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (Northern Route) under the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).

The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Centre conference hall, located within the MRT Line-6 Depot area in Diabari, Uttara. Jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the execution of these packages marks a decisive step toward completing the capital’s underground and elevated transit infrastructure.

Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haq attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while DMTCL Managing Director Md. Shawgatul Alam delivered the welcome address. Planning Commission Member (Acting Secretary) Kabir Ahmad attended as a special guest, alongside representatives from the Embassy of Japan, JICA, project consultants, and official contractor delegations.

Addressing the gathering, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haq stated that reducing traffic congestion and travel times remains a top priority for the administration.

Under the newly signed agreements, Contract Package CP-02 for MRT Line-1 was awarded to SINOHYDRO-SEBCL JV for the construction of 49 modern structures within the main depot site, including specialized workshops, stabling sheds, and an Operation Management Centre. For Contract Package CP-07 of MRT Line-1, CREC-MIL-MBEC JV will construct a 5.007-kilometer elevated viaduct extending from the underground transition point to the Balu River, alongside three elevated stations at Jowar Sahara, Boalia, and Mastul.

Regarding MRT Line-5 (Northern Route), Contract Package CP-02 was executed with CPC-HANIL JV for civil and structural works covering administrative buildings, stabling yards, warehouses, and workshop sheds at the line's main depot. Finally, Contract Package CP-03 for MRT Line-5 (Northern Route) was awarded to CREC-MIL-MBEC JV to construct 6.50 kilometers of elevated railway line across the Hemayetpur-Aminbazar and Notun Bazar-Vatara sections, incorporating five elevated stations at Hemayetpur, Baliyapur, Bilamalia, Aminbazar, and Vatara.