Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has teamed with a Spanish company to conduct a feasibility study on building subways in the capital.
BBA and the Spanish firm TYPSA signed an agreement in this regard in the city on Thursday.
BBA chief engineer Kabir Ahmed and the Spanish consulting firm's managing director Antonio Rodriguez Castellanos signed the contract on behalf of respective sides.
Road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader was also present at the programme.
According to officials, TYPSA was selected after cabinet body on government purchase approved the financial proposal of Tk 2.19 billion on July 11.
Decision to construct subways was taken in line with the prime minister's directive as a priority project under 7th Five-Year-Plan.
In the first phase, route 1 and 2 have been planned between Tongi and Narayanganj link road, and between Aminbazar and Saidabad.
The first route will cross through Uttara, Khilkhet, Mohakhali, Moghbazar, Kakrail, Paltan and Jatrabari. The second route will go through Gabtoli, Shyamoly, Asadgate, New Market, TSC, Bangabazar and Ittefaq morh.
According to the preliminary study, 8.0 million people will use the subway.
However, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges have taken up metro rail projects, including four underground metro rails along the same routes.
While talking to journalists after the signing ceremony, Obaidul Quader said the subway study will decide the routes, and if necessary will find ways to coordinate subways and metro rails.
The cost of the four subways is estimated to be Tk 800 billion, he added.