8.50-kilometer metrorail now visible

More than 8 kilometers viaduct of the country’s first-ever metro rail is now visible while installing of the rail tracks over the viaduct is continuing. So far, a total of about 66.85 percent of the work of the first phase of the metro rail has been completed from Uttara to Agargaon- about 12 kilometers stretch of the metro rail line, according to Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) information.

DMTCL information further showed that, overall progress of the metro rail is 40.02 percent. Second phase of work has achieved 35.99 percent from Agargaon to Motijheel. Combined progress of electrical and mechanical system, rolling stock, and collection of depot equipment is 25.25 percent till December 31 last.

As per prime minister’s advice, the authority concerned is now conducting survey to take the metro rail line till Kamalapur which was stopped at Motijheel as per schedule. Length of this part is 1.16 kilometers. Till now, 754 of the total 766 pile capes, 385 of the total 393 pair heads and 5064 of the total 5149 precast segments casting have been completed, while a total of 8.50 kilometers viaduct is visible and the rest of the continuous viaduct erection is continuing. The sub-structures of nine stations from Uttara to Agargaon have already been completed. At present, Uttara North, Uttara Centre is continuing.

The metro rail authority is also constructing five long span balance cantilevers to ensure normal water flow and traffic system. Officials of the project have informed that a sample train will be set up in the metro rail depot in Diyabari in January to familiarise citizens with the transport system.

Based on the rolling stock and depot equipment collection under package eight, the progress report said that the metro train mock-up arrived at Uttara on 26th December this year. The first metro trainset is scheduled to arrive on June 15 next year. On the arrival of the first set, the authority will go for an integrated test and trial run. Till now it has achieved about 20.50 percent progress.

Other infrastructures, including power sub-station, power supply system, administrative building, mosque and medical center have been constructed too. On this part, about 60 percent construction has been achieved. The government has been implementing the metro rail project from Uttara to Motijheel in eight packages.

The land development work of the depot (package-I) area which started on September 8, 2016, has been completed. The progress of civil work under package-2 is 57 percent and the rest of the work will be finished by June next year.