Mass transit system
Much has been said and written on the subject - some of which are highly scholarly and beyond comprehension for the laymen like this scribe. However, I would like to mention a few points: Some time back, the Japanese Foreign Minister (who later became Prime Minister) while visiting Bangladesh remarked that the climatic and topographical conditions of Dhaka city are not suitable for an underground metro system. The report of the experts' committee headed by Dr. Jamilur Reza Chowdhury also did not favour the metro system.
Against this backdrop, the recent decision of the government to go for the metro system seems mysterious. A news item published in the national dailies (probably supplied by the Public Relations Outfit) of the concerned ministry tried to rationalise the govt. decision by mentioning that of the three options under consideration; metro, monorail and elevated expressway (EE), the metro will offer the cheapest (Taka 17.50 on an average) mode to public. Against this, the cost per person for the monorail will be Taka 55.00 and EE will be Taka 300.00 per large vehicle (read buses).
Now if a 48-seater bus charges Taka 300.00, what is the cost per person?
Taka 6.25! So, which mode is cheaper, metro or EE?
Apart from this, if the high initial and maintenance cost as well as the risks associated (earthquake, sabotage, etc.) with the metro system are taken into consideration, which one is the better option - EE or metro? Let the decision makers apply their wisdom. Since the private sector will be involved in financing the mass transit system, let the elevated expressway and monorail systems be implemented jointly in the first phase and observe the effect.
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