Feasibility study on Ctg metro rail begins

The feasibility study on Chattogram’s first metro rail project, which aims to mitigate the port city’s traffic congestion, commenced on Tuesday.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader joined the inauguration programme virtually.

Addressing the event, Quader said, “Today is a historic day for Chattogram as we have started the feasibility study of the metro rail.”

Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud was present as a special at the ceremony.

He said, “BNP has become isolated from the countrymen. They have to seek apology to the people before going to them for their (BNP) ill politics carried out in 2013, 2014 and 2015, killing people alive through petrol bombs and for the violation of human rights.”

The minister hoped that the people of the city would get relief from the water logging if the projects are implemented properly.

The total cost of the project, to be carried out between 2023-25, is estimated at Tk70,62,58,000, according to Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA).

Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) will provide TK 50 crore, while the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges will provide the rest.

The feasibility study is scheduled to be completed by March 2025.

The project also aims to improve traffic management by key authorities including Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), Chittagong Development Authority (CDA), Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) and Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).

Tasks of the feasibility study include an integrated plan on transport in the city, reviewing and updating the ongoing and completed projects, conducting a transport survey, assessment and evaluation of future traffic demand, economic evaluation of projects, pre-feasibility study of Mass Rapid Transit Network Proposal, planning public transport system, traffic safety, etc.

Under the chairmanship of Roads and Highways Department Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Noori, Information Minister Dr Hashan Mahmud, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, CDA Chairman Zahirul Alam Dubhash, Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang Keun, a few secretaries from the ministry and other senior officials attended the event.