Amdadul Haque
A big boost for Dhaka Metro Rail network! The first metro mock-up coach has been installed at the Metro Rail Exhibition Centre at the capital’s Diabari in Uttara. The dummy or mock-up coach was pulled out on Monday, said Abu Naser, the Deputy Principal Information Officer of Road Transport and Highway Department.
The coach will not be attached directly to the Metro Rail; it is only for display, added Abu Naser. Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Limited (DMTCL) is implementing the construction of the Metro Rail with the initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.
DMTCL sources said the Metro Rail is expected to be opened to the public on December 16, 2021, coinciding with the golden jubilee of the country's independence. The government decided to extend the line, now under construction from Uttara to Motijheel, up to Kamalapur Railway Station.
As a part of this, Metro Rail information center is being built in Uttara for public viewing and learning. The mock-up coach will be kept there. Sources further said the display will start at the exhibition and information centre late next month. Then it will be open to the public for free. There, people will be able to see the train and learn the ticket-buying process.
The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) is providing a low-interest loan for the construction of Metro Rail. DMTCL will also construct a monument in memory of the seven Japanese citizens, killed in the militant attack at Holey Artisan Bakery, as they were involved with the Metro Rail project.