According to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Metro rail service project will be completed by December 2021. Already 24 percent of the construction work has been completed. The project is a part of the government’s plan to free the capital of traffic congestion and five different rail routes are to be constructed by 2030.
Dhaka is one of the most densely populated regions in the world. Not only that, due to poor urban planning, the city was allowed to grow unchecked for decades. The resultant traffic congestion is one of the most pressing issues for the city-dwellers. Being stuck in traffic not only wastes time of all Dhaka residents, it also reduces overall productivity of the economy.
Moreover, due to the burning of petrol, octane and gas by the countless cars, buses and other transport vehicles, Dhaka also has one of the worst levels of air pollution in the world. The overuse of these vehicles is detrimental to both human health as well as the environment.
It will also transform Dhaka into a more active,
commuter-friendly, and sustainable city
Experts have said that once the metro rail is implemented, it will be the most time-efficient, reliable, safe, comfortable and environment-friendly solution to the severe traffic congestion. It will also transform Dhaka into a more active, commuter-friendly, and sustainable city.
The metro rail service will reduce transport costs for commuters and help them reach their destination much faster. Students, as well as the working population will be greatly benefitted as they will no longer have to spend majority of their day stuck on the road. The service will thus free up that time and increase productivity for people from all walks of life.
The construction of the metro rail has been going on at a steady pace. The recent rains in the country could have proven to be an impediment in the work but no such hampering scene has occurred. One can only hope that the project comes into operation soon and that there are no delays or setbacks during construction. Furthermore, the government should take strict measures to ensure safety during construction as well as after it comes into operation.