Final metro rail route likely today
The government may finalise the route of proposed Uttara-Sayedabad metro rail today after bringing changes in it to avoid any overlapping with under-construction “Mayor Hanif elevated expressway” and other structures.
“The revised route of proposed metro rail to be built at a cost of US$ 1.7 billion from Uttara to Sayedabad is likely to be finalised today at an inter-ministerial meeting headed by the finance minister,” said a spokesperson of the communications minister yesterday.
After finalisation of the revised route, it would be sent to cabinet division for the final approval, he added.
The new route may go through Sayedabad via Jatiya Press Club and Motijheel from Uttara instead of via Gulistan, as the previous route overlaps with the elevated expressway over a couple of kilometres in Gulistan area, said Jica's Senior Programme Manager Suman Das Gupta.
The urban transportation expert team of Jica (Japan International Cooperation Agency) has conducted the feasibility study of setting up the first metro rail line as per the government's proposed route.
The team found that the metro rail route is conflicting at several places of the elevated expressway at Gulistan and underpasses in front of Sonargaon and Sheraton hotel.
On the first week of the month, a Jica high-level visiting team drew attention of the government officials at the policy level to bring about changes in the route plan and requested to finalise it by February 15, Gupta said.
As per the Jica's concern, the communication ministry has decided to change the route of proposed metro rail and already held an inter-ministerial meeting with all concerned ministries and other stakeholders on February 12. Gupta said if the government is able to finalise the revised route and ensure better coordination among its agencies.
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