Metro Rail Route Change
Finance minister yet to meet PM
Finance Minister AMA Muhith could not meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday for a final resolution over modification of the metro rail route due to his busy schedule, said ministry sources.
There is a little chance of holding the meeting before Friday, said the sources.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), which is keen to fund 80 percent of the metro rail construction cost, has been pressing for the final decision.
Jica officials on Tuesday made it clear that it would not be able to provide the money in a year if the final decision on metro route is not given in four days.
The route was supposed to come from Agargaon through Bijoy Sarani to Farmgate. But due to objection by the air force, the route will now be diverted to Khamarbari from Bijoy Sarani-Crescent Road to go to Farmgate.
Construction of $1.8 billion metro rail, crucial for transporting a large number of passengers from one corner to another of the city during the peak time, has been uncertain due to the government's decision to modify the route following serious objection by the air force.
Experts and government officials have strong reservation about the new proposed route as well since it falls on the parliament complex and seriously damages the beauty of Luis I Kahn masterpiece.
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