Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has identified some major difficulties in confirming the proposed route for mass rapid transit line-05 South (MRT-5 South) for space constraints.
The MRT scheme also conflicts with different projects running down the line.
The proposed Gabtoli station of MRT-05 south may need to shift 120 metres south from the north station as the review of a pre-feasibility study did not find enough road space for building underground and elevated ones or side by side.
Besides, the line lacks enough turning points at Russel Square for a 10-storey educational institution and also conflicts with Dhaka Elevated Expressway at Karwanbazar near Bangladesh Film Development Corporation.
The observations were shared during a workshop on the MRT-05 South to seek cooperation from stakeholders concerned to develop the 17.4-kilometre route from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi.
MRT-05 South project's ESO (egis, SMEC and OC Global) Consortium hosted the event to highlight that 12 stations have been planned for underground and four for elevated ones.
DMTCL managing director MAN Siddique attended the workshop with road transport and highways division secretary Nazrul Islam in the chair.
MRT-05 South project director Abdul Wahab, ESO team leader Henning Schwarz, architect design lead expert Afonso Leite de Faria, additional team leader (civil) Janardhan Sundaram presented key points of the review of the study.
Representatives from government agencies like Bangladesh Bridges Authority, Dhaka north and south city corporations, Power Grid Company of Bangladesh, Dhaka Wasa, Bangladesh Gas Field Company, Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Ltd, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd, Banglalink, Robi and Grameenphone attended.
Principals from educational institutions, including Residential Model School, were also present.
The DMTCL launches the MRT-05 South as part of its plan to develop six MRTs on different corridors by 2030.
The pre-feasibility study done in 2017 shows 924,000 passengers will be transported daily in the MRT of east-west direction meant for reducing working hours and 4,122 tonnes of fuel worth Tk 214 million.
The Asian Development Bank is financing the project.
The team leader said interfaces with DWASA and PGCP have been identified at Aftabnagar west station, but it may need to integrate with Dhaka circular railway, Dhaka inner-ring road and Kalyanpur eco-friendly park at Gabtoli station.
Pointing out some existing schemes, he sought cooperation from stakeholders to take projects after consultation for the benefit of the public.
Mr Wahab said many structures, as well as utility services, were developed after 2017 when the pre-feasibility study was done.
Cooperation and proper integration of the MRT-05 South with other projects are necessary to execute the plan by 2024, he added.
Responding to a question, Mr Wahab said the impact of the new MRT line would be addressed more accurately after the traffic survey which is underway along with other studies, including land acquisition plan.
The feasibility study would be completed next January and the detailed design be done in 2023, he cited.
Mr Islam says the development of MRTs is still challenging and he exhorts the consulting firm to be innovative in finding a solution technically.
He also requested it to focus on traffic management at the construction stage to lessen public sufferings.
Mr Siddique said the DMTCL would continue to share the findings of the MRT-05 South for proper integration.
