Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has started the trial run of the much-anticipated Metro Rail service from Agargaon to Motijheel section. The trial run indicates a significant milestone in the construction and operational preparations of the Metro Rail project.
It is anticipated that the commercial operation of this section will commence in October, with the Prime Minister’s scheduled inauguration. With this the MRT-6 line will be completed.
The inaugural trial run took place on Friday afternoon when the Metro train, resounding with the whistle, embarked on its journey towards Agargaon station in Motijheel. This development comes after DMTCL successfully completed all necessary preparations for the trial run.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader as the chief guest inaugurated the integration test. He said that the system integration test of Metrorail will continue till October 15.
This test will be conducted during the day on Friday and night on other days. Hopefully, at the end of October, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will announce the auspicious opening of the metro rail movement in this section (Agargaon to Motijheel).
“This is our first Metro-rail. There are five more metro lines to be constructed. By 2030 we will be able to complete the work of six lines of metro rail. Our work is progressing with this aim,” he added.
DMTCL has planned an auspicious start for the performance test of the Metro train along the Agargaon to Motijheel section. The performance tests, system integration test-seats, and trial runs will continue until October 15, conducted on Fridays and other nights. In light of these tests, law enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure that adequate security measures are in place.
According to DMTCL sources, the Agargaon to Motijheel section will feature the same phased approach as the previously opened Uttara to Agargaon section, with seven stations set to be inaugurated. However, initially, the service will operate directly from Agargaon to Motijheel.
Prior to the trial run, a thorough verification of the Metro rail route was conducted by engineers on foot, ensuring the safety and readiness of the railway track from Agargaon to Motijheel.
In terms of overall progress, as of June 30, the MRT Line-6 project has achieved an impressive average progress rate of 95.39 percent. The Uttara North to Agargaon section has reached completion at 100 percent, while the Agargaon to Motijheel section stands at 95.20 percent progress. The Electrical and Mechanical System and Rolling Stock and Depot Equipment work has achieved a progress rate of 90.24 percent. However, the progress of the Motijheel to Kamalapur section is at 7.50 percent.
Among the stations along the route, Bijoy Sharani Metrorail Station has attained a work progress rate of 97 percent, Farmgate Metrorail Station stands at 98 percent, Karwan Bazar Metrorail Station showcases a progress rate of 95 percent, Shahbagh Metrorail Station demonstrates a rate of 94 percent progress, Dhaka University Metrorail Station has achieved 97 percent progress, Bangladesh Secretariat Metrorail Station stands at 86 percent progress, and Motijheel Metrorail Station has reached a progress rate of 95 percent.
As the trial run commences and progress steadily moves forward, the Metro Rail project in Dhaka is steadily inching closer to its completion and final opening. The implementation of this modern transportation system will undoubtedly enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to the development and prosperity of the city.
