Test run of the country's first metro-rail on viaduct is expected to start on August 27, as five stations of the mass rapid transit (MRT) line-6 will be ready for it by then.
Sources said electrical works of Uttara north, centre and south stations have already been completed, and works of two other stations - Pallabi and Mirpur-10 - will be completed within a week.
"Electricity is necessary for the test run on the viaduct. Though a few other stations are yet to be completed, readying stations till Pallabi is needed to run the train sets to and forth," said an official, engaged in the MRT-6 project.
He, however, said if they miss the date of August 27, they would start the test run by August.
The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has planned to launch the first part of the MRT-6 in this December.
The state-owned company is yet to finalise the revised schedule to launch the line from Uttara to Agargaon, following slowing down of work amid the Covid pandemic impact. But, it has planned to complete test run by January next.
DMTCL Managing Director M A N Siddique said planning is carried out with the target of starting test run in August.
He, however, did not mention any date.
Kawasaki, the Japanese company that is manufacturing the country's first metro-rail sets, placed a plan to hand over all the trains to the DMTCL by January. The company has completed test run of the first train set on depot site. But it could not go to the viaduct due to slow work in making the stations ready for the test.
Officials said without completing test run of the first train set, the DMTCL cannot take the responsibility of train operation. Completion of test run of the first set is needed to ensure proper functionality of 23 other train sets.
So far two sets of train, having six coaches, arrived from Japan. Two other sets will reach the Diabari jetty in Uttara tomorrow (Thursday). Another set of train is now coming to the Mongla Port by sea.
Kawasaki has so far completed manufacturing seven train sets in Japan. It will provide a total of 24 train sets to operate the MRT-6.
According to DPP, the DMTCL will operate the complete 20.1-km MRT-6 by 2024.
smunima@yahoo.com