The authorities concerned are planning to begin integrated test and trial run of metro rail in phases as functional and performance tests are going on in full swing.
“We have already brought 10 out of 24 sets of metro train so far for functional performance, integrated test and trial run on viaduct,” Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director MAN Siddique told BSS on Tuesday.
He said more metro train sets are ready for shipment, adding, “Metro rail, a dream public transport, is expected to begin its journey on the Uttara-Agargaon route from the month of victory this year.”
According to the project officials, the overall construction progress stands at 70.04 per cent, while the physical progress of the first phase construction of the metro rail from Uttara to Agargaon is 90.08 per cent.
They said the physical progress of second phase construction work from Agargaon to Motijheel reached 73.08 per cent, while combined progress of electrical and mechanical system and procurement of rolling stock (rail coaches) and depot equipment is 70.91 per cent.
The DMTCL authorities have started a performance test of metro rail on the viaduct from Uttara depot to Agargaon station.
MAN Siddique said that construction of all stations is going on in full swing during the Covid-19 pandemic maintaining strict health guidelines.
He said if the current pace of work continues by following safety rules amid the coronavirus situation, the metro rail project might be completed in time.
Initially, the length of the metro rail route up to Motijheel was 20.10km. It was later extended to Kamalapur railway station adding 1.16km. As a result, the number of stations was also increased to 16.
The metro rail is projected to carry 60,000 passengers per hour by travelling the entire route of 21.26km from Uttara to Motijheel-Kamalapur railway station in less than 40 minutes.
Roof top steel work of eight out of nine stations from Uttara to Agargaon was completed, while mechanical, electrical and plumbing works of the all nine stations are going on.
Besides, construction of entry and exit structure is going on as per the target of commercial operation of the much awaited metro rail.
