The revised development project proposal (DPP) for the construction of the Metro Line-5 (South) route from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi will be sent to the planning commission this week for approval, according to an official announcement. The DPP, based on a feasibility study and engineering design, outlines the construction of a 17.20 km long underground and elevated track. Project Director of Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-5) Southern Route, retired Brigadier General Md Abdul Wohab, confirmed that all necessary preparations have been completed and the DPP will be sent to the road transport and bridges ministry shortly. The Prime Minister's desire to commence the construction of the metro rail soon is a key driver behind this initiative. The bidding process for the project is currently underway, with bid documents prepared in line with relevant procurement procedures. The 37.20 km long MRT-5 project comprises two routes: Gabtoli to Dasherkandi (southern route) and Hemayetpur to Bhatara (northern route). Land development work for the Metro Rail Line-5 depot at Hemayetpur is 59.37 percent complete as of July. The 17.40 km southern route of MRT-5 will feature a 13.10 km underground line from Gabtoli to Aftab Nagar West and a 4.10 km elevated line from Aftab Nagar Centre to Dasherkandi, with 11 underground and 4 elevated stations. Construction work on MRT-5 began on November 4, 2023, and is scheduled for completion in 2030. The new line will connect Gabtoli in the western part of the capital with Dasherkandi in the east, reducing travel time between the two points to just 28 minutes. The metro line is expected to serve around 924,000 passengers daily, with each train capable of carrying up to 2,312 passengers. The route will pass through Gabtoli, Technical, Kallyanpur, Shyamoli, College Gate, Asad Gate, Shukrabad, Karwan Bazar, Hatirjheel, Tejgaon, Aftabnagar Central, Aftabnagar East, Nasirabad, and terminate at Dasherkandi. The project cost has been revised downward from the previously estimated Tk 55,000 crore to Tk 46,645 crore, with significant financing coming from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and South Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). Experts believe the project will significantly ease traffic congestion along Dhaka's east-west corridor, save millions of working hours, and substantially reduce carbon emissions.
Project Details and Expected Impact
The Gabtoli-Dasherkandi Metro Line-5 (South) route is part of a larger initiative to enhance Dhaka's public transportation system. The 17.20 km route will include both underground and elevated sections, designed to optimize travel efficiency and reduce congestion. The project's completion is expected to significantly impact daily commutes, offering a swift and reliable transit option for residents. The reduced travel time of 28 minutes between Gabtoli and Dasherkandi will be a major convenience for commuters, potentially encouraging more people to use public transport over private vehicles. This shift could lead to a notable decrease in traffic congestion and carbon emissions, aligning with broader urban sustainability goals.
